Ipswich’s littlest hero Oliver Bertram confronts fears head-on

A resilient and bright seven-year-old Bellbird Park boy is making strides in his development after years of struggling with autism and now his life’s been changed forever.

An Ipswich boy’s life has changed forever after gaining support from the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Seven-year-old Oliver Bertram, who has autism, struggled to talk and socialise but is now happy making new friends and playing with his younger brothers.

Oliver’s mum Tania said the support from NDIS was making a big a difference in her little boy’s life.

“When we first accessed the NDIS I had a little boy who couldn’t talk, would try to be social, but he still pretty much kept to himself,” she said.

“Now he has an amazing occupational therapist who is patient and kind and really helps to bring him out of his shell.

“If it wasn’t for the support that we got, we wouldn’t be hitting milestones like being fully toilet trained for the last 10-months and getting haircuts now without being afraid.”

Ms Bertram said Oliver can now speak in full sentences and communicate to the best of his ability with his friends and family.

“He has come out of his shell so much, he makes friends easily because he isn’t afraid to go and play with other children,” she said.

“I cannot tell you how much I cried the first day he made a friend, I was so excited and so happy for my little man.

“It has helped with easing our anxiety knowing that he is doing the best he can, and we are getting the support to help with that.”

Ms Bertram said there was a lot yet to learn but Oliver has already made his family exceptionally proud.

Oliver received assistance to implement his NDIS funding from Carers Queensland’s NDIS Local Area Coordination (LAC) Partner in the Community Program for the Ipswich region.

“Our experience has been wonderful with Carers Queensland,” she said.

“I am actually very impressed by our Local Area Coordinator (LAC), she has been so helpful and caring and will answer any questions I have.

“It takes a village to raise a child is the best phrase when it comes to Oliver and the NDIS.”

If you have a disability but are not eligible for the NDIS, Carers Queensland can help you identify and link to options for support in your community.

You can also contact Carers Queensland on 1300 999 636, or [e-mail].