Mum's double joy as Scope supports twin to start school

Some parents had to reach for the tissues as their little ones braved their first day at school this week.
But for Julie McCallum, seeing her excited twins head off to Benalla Primary School 31 hand-in-hand was a day of triumph.

Five-year-olds Elliot and Gertie aren’t just brother and sister, they are best friends.
At 18-months of age, Elliot was diagnosed with Autism.

And while Mrs McCallum said having twins had made the family’s situation more unique and sometimes more challenging, Gertie had also been Elliot’s most precious support of all.

``I didn’t want to think about any alternative to Elliot not starting school with Gertie,’’ Mrs McCallum said.
``I’m just so happy that they can start school together.’’

Mrs McCallum said Early Childhood Intervention Services (ECIS) had been critical in helping to prepare Elliot for school.

She said Elliot, a Scope client, did not communicate using speech.

But ECIS therapists had taught him to use a form of sign language and picture board to communicate.

``He is very good at using the pictures. Sometimes I use them to show him what he can eat, and with a grin on his face he’ll cheekily use them to show me what he would prefer to eat,’’ she said.

``Elliot is very visual and receptive and it’s great to see his personality really shine with the support of these resources.’’

Through Scope, Elliot received Kindergarten Inclusion Support Services funding to attend Benalla Ride Avenue Kindergarten with Gertie last year.

His inclusion in this setting was also very beneficial in getting him ready for primary school.

``I can not emphasize enough how Scope as an organisation - particularly the Benalla Regional Office team - has been a tremendous support to our family as a whole. It is really important because if Mum and Dad feel supported and are happy, then that cascades down to our children.’’

Scope’s ECIS supports families with young children with a disability. The speciality service works in partnership with the families and other significant people in the child’s life to promote the development and participation of children with disabilities in their local communities.