Madison is three years old and has been attending Playskill for around a year.

At around 18 months old, we began noticing changes in Madison, she began to regress and lose skills such as fine motor and speech.

We watched our usually happy, social little girl becoming quieter and less engaged, which left us with a deep sense that something wasn’t right.

Receiving a diagnosis

By the time she was two, Madison received her diagnosis of Rett syndrome, a rare neurological condition that involves a period of near-typical early development followed by a regression, during which previously acquired skills can be lost. This affects communication, movement, and overall development. During the long and emotionally difficult period of waiting for answers, our health visitor recommended Playskill as a source of early support. Madison began attending and spent around four months there before we received her diagnosis, giving us a vital lifeline during a time of great uncertainty.

Life before Playskill

Before Playskill, life felt overwhelming and fragile. Madison has complex needs, and we were coming to terms with the fact our future would look a lot different now to what we had imagined, while also navigating long waiting lists and limited access to consistent support through the NHS.

Each day felt like a balancing act of worry, hope, and unanswered questions. As parents, we were doing everything we could, yet often felt unsure, isolated, and afraid of getting things wrong.

How Playskill helps Madison

At Playskill, Madison is supported in ways that truly meet her where she is. She is able to take part in play-based activities that are adapted to her needs, allowing her to explore, enjoy, and engage at her own pace. She is encouraged to communicate in her own way, whether that’s through eye-gaze, movement, or supported communication, and her voice is always respected and valued. Madison also has access to specialist equipment that she wouldn’t otherwise have, enabling her to participate more fully, build confidence, and experience play and learning in ways that might not be possible elsewhere.

At Playskill, Madison's voice is always respected and valued.

How Playskill helps us as parents

For us as parents, Playskill has changed everything.

Beyond the therapy Madison receives, the family support team has been invaluable, offering practical guidance on things like DLA applications and helping us navigate systems that can feel overwhelming. Just as importantly, Playskill has connected us with a community of other parents who truly understand. Through shared experiences and conversations, we have been signposted to trusted, tried-and-tested services, whether that’s finding a great hydrotherapist or simply having someone who listens and understands our journey.

Knowing we are part of a supportive, compassionate community has lifted a huge emotional weight from our shoulders and renewed our sense of hope for Madison’s future.

To us, Playskill means hope, compassion, and possibility.

It gave us structure and support at a time that felt overwhelming and whenever I meet another parent of a child with complex needs, I often find myself saying, “Have you heard of Playskill?” because I know just how much it's helped us along the way.

Amy – Madison’s mum