Praise for school

By Tania Martin
Rylan Squire, 6, was diagnosed with global development delay, but with the help and support of Yooralla and The Patch EIC, he was able to start his first year of school at Menzies Creek Primary.
Rylan suffers from delays in his development, including speech and mobility.
Renee and Andrew Squire said their son was diagnosed with global development delay two-and-a-half years ago, just as Renee was about to give birth to the couple’s third child.
It was a difficult time in their lives and Mrs Squire said she was grateful for all the help The Patch EIC provided during that tough time.
“I don’t know what I would have done without their help. I don’t think I could have coped,” she said.
Mrs Squire said Rylan was diagnosed after his former speech therapist suggested there may be a problem with his development.
When Rylan started at The Patch EIC he couldn’t even say “mum” or “dad”, but now his parents can understand him most of the time.
Mr Squire said one of Ryan’s main difficulties was his social interaction skills because he had trouble making himself understood.
“When he first started at The Patch EIC, Rylan spoke in chicken language, even we had trouble understanding what he was trying to say,” Mr Squire said.
The Squires said starting primary school had gone smoothly for Rylan, as they expected it would be harder with the change in his routine.
Mrs Squire said children with developmental delays have to follow a strict routine.
But Rylan is fitting in well and has been invited to his first birthday party.
Mrs Squire said there was a need for the early intervention program at The Patch EICto be publicised so that other people know about it.
“There are so many other people who are looking for help and don’t know the program exists,” she said.