She’s Enriched Our Lives

Keira is neurodivergent, a word that is forefront of our lives. At the age of eight, she was diagnosed with dyslexia and dyscalculia through a SPELD assessment. She also has ADHD and sensory sensitivities. In addition, she had exposure to adverse childhood experiences and complex development trauma.

She’s in a good place now and is well supported. Thanks to SPELD’s financial assistance programme, Keira’s able to have regular tuition. Her SPELD teacher travels from Whakatane to Rotorua for her weekly lessons. Keira’s on medication for her ADHD, which we believe has really helped her focus on reading too.

Keira has blessed our lives in so many ways. We aren’t the typical pensioners, just mucking around home, playing golf, etc. Our days are full on, running around after Keira with her school and out-of-school activities, her large circle of friends, and contact visitation with her parents and whānau.

Keira has strengths in her artistic ability, attention to detail and empathy. We encourage and support her to do and become whatever she wants. Keira spends a lot of her spare time doing art and she loves science. She attends Girl Guides for leadership skills, building a strong awareness of her environment, and knowledge of the way others live. Keira’s also learnt how to iron clothes, knit, sew and cook a three-course meal with adult guidance.

We’re so proactive in Keira’s education, and believe upskilling is paramount. We’re involved in Caring Families Aotearoa and have completed a study programme for caregivers of traumatised children. When Keira was a toddler, we reached out for as much support and knowledge as possible for Keira and ourselves. For the first years, we did ‘the circle of security’ to gain her trust and build a strong whanau-based foundation. This involved activities like building a fort together – it was our place to strengthen our bonds, be open and just be ourselves. Over the years Keira’s also had counselling, and I praise her for allowing her therapist into her space to express her feelings and thoughts.

We’re so privileged for the support that Keira’s gained but it’s come at a financial cost. As pensioners, we have limited income but knowing that we can change a child’s pathway to a better life is priceless and we would do it again in a heartbeat. Sometimes we just need to make a sacrifice for others. Our only regret is that not all children have the same advantage.

We want to thank all those that have supported ourselves, our whānau and Keira with her education and stability – especially SPELD. It’s been the experience of a lifetime.