Lexi Story
Behind many children with additional support needs is another child whose story is often less visible.
Siblings are the brothers and sisters who grow up understanding that family life sometimes has to look a little different.
They are the children who learn flexibility, patience and understanding beyond their years.
Siblings have always been welcome at Early Intervention because we understand, through lived experience, that a child’s needs can affect the whole family.
Their voices matter.
When we talk about supporting children with additional support needs, siblings are part of that story too.
From participant to volunteer
Lexi and Zach first joined our Early Intervention community in April 2022 and have been regular members ever since. Four years later, Lexi is getting ready to volunteer with us during the summer holidays, helping to create opportunities for other families just like her own.
Lexi’s Story
“My mum started taking my brother Zach and me to Early Intervention sessions in April 2022. We used to visit places for families and children, but we would usually have to leave because Zach didn’t like the noise or somewhere being too busy.
To be honest, sometimes it made me sad because I was enjoying myself, but we would have to leave when Zach became too upset. It isn’t his fault, though. Sometimes we have to do things differently because we now know that Zach has autism and a rare genetic condition.
My mum was able to take us both to Early Intervention sessions, and I am allowed to join in too. Sometimes I don’t want to, and that’s okay as well because everyone is so nice there.
I have had the chance to experience so many activities, from themed crafts and visiting new places to even going to farms. The group welcomes both me and my brother, and we always have fun. Zach gets excited when Mum says we are going to an Early Intervention session.
I have just started volunteering through my school and plan to help at Early Intervention throughout the summer holidays. They have so much fun there, and I want to help make the sessions happen for other families, including ours. Linda has already asked me to start planning ideas for the parties.
We have been to other groups before, but Early Intervention is different—it is special. They take the time to get to know Zach, but they also take the time to get to know me.
Early Intervention volunteers care not only about the child with additional needs but also about the rest of the family. I am glad we found the group because our school holidays would be very different without it.”
Lexi’s words capture what Early Intervention is about and why whole-family support matters.
When siblings feel included, valued and understood, the benefits extend far beyond the child with additional support needs.
Lexi’s journey from participant to volunteer demonstrates the lasting impact that can be created when support and opportunities are designed with the whole family in mind.