Calliope boy Harvey Hart finds his voice with NDIS help

For six-year-old Harvey Hart’s family, his autism has long meant they could not communicate with him. That has all changed.

Harvey Hart struggled to communicate with his family prior to receiving his AAC device. Picture: Supplied.

For six-year-old Harvey Hart’s family, his autism has long meant they could not communicate with him.

That was until his NDIS plan allowed his family to purchase an augmentative and alternative (AAC) device, designed for non-speaking people with autism to communicate.

His mother, Shannon Hart, who self-manages his NDIS plan, says the device allows Harvey to reach his full potential.

“When Harvey was about 18 months old, we picked up a few signs that he might be autistic,” she said.

Harvey Hart struggled to communicate with his family prior to receiving his AAC device. Picture: Supplied.

“He was having problems with speech, as well as with his gross and fine motor skills.”

Non-speaking autism is one of the most common conditions associated with autism, and can severely impact children and their families into adulthood.

Studies have shown some children with non-verbal autism can become fluent speakers later in life, with the help of speech therapies.

Prior to receiving his communication device, Ms Hart remained at home to care for Harvey.

Now, she has been able to return to work and Harvey can attend school in the area.

“Now that Harvey’s in school, I’m able to go back to work part-time, which has been great,” Ms Hart said.

“I feel happy knowing he is able to communicate with everyone at school.”

Harvey became an NDIS participant in 2019, and is also receiving funding for ankle-foot orthotics to bring his muscles and joints into alignment to improve his walking pattern.

“Before his braces, Harvey would always be sporting a bruise on his head because he would be falling over almost everywhere he went,” Ms Hart said.

Picture: Supplied.