Caleb is three years old and has a dual diagnosis of Absent Corpus Callosum (ACC) and Down’s Syndrome.

Early on in his life, we discovered that while outcomes for a child with ACC can be wide ranging and unpredictable, Caleb was placed on what Hertfordshire call the ‘Down’s Syndrome pathway’.

This pathway assumes that children with Down's Syndrome have an expected level of delay and will 'get there eventually'. Unfortunately, this means they cannot access therapeutic services in the same way as other children with developmental delays.

The struggle for support

The therapists we were able to see were often great, but we could only access them once a term, and in a large, busy groups. For Caleb, this meant that key challenges were missed and we had to look elsewhere to find the support he desperately needed.

We received some therapy through another charity, the Bobath Centre, but that has now sadly closed. Thankfully, when Caleb was one, our wonderful Care Co-ordinator told us about Playskill.

"As a parent of a child with additional needs, you don’t want to feel like you’re fighting, but getting the right care your child needs can is so hard."

Discovering Playskill

Then we came to Playskill where there’s such a warmth and generosity - so many smiling faces, so many different kinds of support, all offered for free. It’s incredibly refreshing and uplifting.

For Caleb to have therapists that see him regularly, know him and can work brilliantly both with him, whilst also teaching me so I can continue his care better at home (and teach other family, friends and his nursery), has been truly transformative.

The beautiful volunteers, staff and trustees who welcome us each week, who look me in the eye and ask how I’m really doing, who shower him with the attention he craves…it’s such a highlight of our week.

Support beyond group

The programme outside the group is also fantastic. I’ve received so much helpful training in a really wide range of areas.

Caleb has an older brother and sister who have loved the siblings and family events, and my parents joined a grandparents event - they’ve never had the opportunity to meet other grandparents of kids with disabilities and were so appreciative.

A family day to remember

The recent Stay and Play session was a great example of the difference Playskill events make to our whole family.

Although it was only the Tuesday of half term, I was already feeling frazzled and it was tough getting everyone out of the door. But we were met with a brilliant welcome and tables were laid out with different crafts, sensory play (which Caleb got his hands straight in to!), and even a Lego table, which my six year old son was delighted by, despite his initial reluctance to come.

My daughter made friends with the sister of one of Caleb’s friends and they had great fun in the ball pit and doing role plays. I was able to chat with lovely people about how I was doing, some of the challenges we are facing right now. I was given really helpful advice and kind support, as well as drinks and snacks!

And Caleb loved every minute - time with his friends, making a soft toy with Claire, singing and signing with Emma, and lots of people to celebrate all the ways he is developing and communicating.

We left having all had a wonderful time in our different ways - it was just what we needed.

"We can’t recommend Playskill highly enough. We always tell other local families who could benefit. It’s such blessing and support to us on what can be a really tough journey."