Bundaberg boy overcomes major hurdles to school readiness

As Nikki Debus-Marselos celebrates her son’s graduation from AEIOU Bundaberg she reflects on the last few years and the hurdles Jake has overcome to school readiness.

When Nikki Debus-Marselo’s son Jake was developing from 2 to 4 years of age she knew he was a smart child but he was having major difficulties with his communication, social and sensory development.

Jake could not make eye contact with anyone, would only eat very wet or dry foods like custard or dry biscuits, and was extremely solitary and only wanted to play by himself.  Jake was not developing conversation skills.  He parroted everything that was said to him, couldn’t form sentences and had difficulty focusing on tasks and following directions.  Although at a very early stage Jake could recognise letters and numbers.

While Jake was having regular speech therapy and occupational therapy, autism was considered a possibility however Jake’s parents first wanted to see how he responded to therapy before seeking a diagnosis.

When Jake was 4, his mother’s greatest goal was for him to be able to go to mainstream schooling.  Working with Bundaberg’s Early Childhood Development Unit led to a diagnosis of autism and a recommendation Jake attend AEIOU’s early intervention program if mainstream schooling was the outcome his parents were seeking for Jake.

Now, after 12 months at AEIOU, Jake is graduating and ready to transition to Prep at Avoca State School next year.  “We knew Jake would be ready academically but we needed to get those other things right” Jake’s mother, Nikki Debus-Marselos, said. 

Jake can now sit for periods of time and will put his hand up to ask questions, is really keen to play with other children, and is more accepting of different textures and of trying new foods.  Jake continues to work hard on his communication skills but his speech and language is now within the normal range and his eye contact has improved.

Jake’s mother said he understands numbers up to about 100, can do basic maths, write all letters and numbers, spell small words and read fluently with comprehension. 

“It’s great that we can now find out what Jake is thinking and can tell us want he needs and wants and give us his opinion. We know he’s now ready for school and he can actually tell us that he is really excited about starting school” Nikki Debus-Marselos said.

Jake graduated from AEIOU Bundaberg this month to the great delight of his family and teachers.  Congratulations Jake, we wish you all the very best at School!