Samantha from VIC wrote;

"My child was diagnosed with a disability about 4 months ago. We’re coping okay but our paediatrician has suggested we go to a support group. I don’t know if I want to go?"

Karen from NSW replied;

"Visiting the support group at first was strange and confronting, taking my child to a strange new world; however, our support group very quickly became our lifeline. I had found a safe haven, where people understood without me explaining, they cried and celebrated with me. The parents and staff respected my decisions for my child encouraging me to be the best advocate. If I had a difficult situation to face I never felt alone.

With each stage of learning, or new situations like school, doctors etc I had a wealth of knowledge at my finger tips not only staff but other parents. From major decisions like specialists to where I could buy nappies for my child when the supermarket ones don’t fit anymore.

I have made lifelong friends from this and my other children have other siblings who are understanding of families that have different challenges, they are reassured that every family is different and that’s ok. My life has been enriched by this network and I would always recommend joining a support group that suits your family’s needs."

Robyn, NSW replied;

"Being referred to a support group after my daughter was diagnosed was one of the best things that could have been done for my family.

Initially, the thought of meeting a group of people in similar circumstances to us filled me with dread. I was having enough trouble holding myself together and didn't think I would cope with seeing other people trying to deal with their issues as well. Once I actually plucked up the courage to walk through the front door, I was surprised to find that the other people in the room seemed quite relaxed and relieved to be there. I was greeted warmly and openly and eventually came to realise that what I was entering into was a non-judgemental environment where it was OK for my child to be different.

Support was offered to my family on both a personal and professional level.

Being able to tap into the expertise and experience of the staff and other families in the support group opened up a lot of avenues for us. We were able to access services, which we may not otherwise have ever known about. It was also nice to know that it was OK to be having a bad day, and that if I felt like I was going to have a meltdown I was in the right place with the right group of people to be doing it. I knew that there would always be someone there to support me when I needed it and that in turn I would be able to support them as well. What goes around comes around.

My family has been lucky enough to maintain a strong connection with a number of families that we met through a support group long after we stopped attending it. You're not likely to let go of the people that have helped you on so many levels. Just the fact that we can all continue to support each other as our children grow and our families go through different phases is, for me, reason enough to be thankful that I did decide to walk through that door. "

Leone, Vic wrote;

"Can u help me re ideas for toys for my 3 year old grandson. He has cerebral palsy,epilepsy,spastic quadriplegia and peg fed also. He resides in Tasmania and my daughter is finding it hard to source gifts that we can buy him. We live in Victoria and are also finding it an uphill battle to buy birthday and Christmas presents for ****, any help or suggestions would be much appreciated, many thanks, Leone."

Alexander's Toybox replied;

"When Alexander was 3 years old we spent a lot of time trying to stimulate his senses. We used bells with balls, lots of 'tactile' toys and we hung numerous mobiles from the ceiling of his bedroom. You don't say what your grandson's level of ability is but have a look at Puffer Pig on the Fine Motor page, the Song Mitts on the Parent Resource page and the Mobiles on the Vision page. The Bubble Blowers, also on the Vision page, are a great gift idea or, if your grandson is up on his feet, have a look at the Bubble Rocket on the Gross Motor page. We still have a lot of toys to load on to the web site so keep checking up on us for more ideas. Hope this helps and let us know how you go. "