From a young age 12 months our daughter Lauren had been diagnosed with a very general term global developmental delay. Meaning that she was delayed in most aspects. As years passed certain issues became more pronounced being speech and social skills. However in saying this, to most people, she appeared to be a very normal yet quiet and shy girl.

From 12mths Lauren had regular intervention/therapy via Noahs Ark and speech therapy and attended a mainstream childcare centre a couple of days per week.

At 4 years, our daughter attended Kilvington Grammer School Kindergarten. (We had great reservations about the ability of the community kinder to provide a stimulating environment for Lauren, therefore sought a private school with a rich curriculum).

While Lauren enjoyed Kilvington, there were concerns about Laurens ability to stay on task, and concentrate. Her social skills were also noted as being immature. We decided collectively that we should keep her at kinder another year to allow some maturing. During this year Lauren was formally assessed by Alfred CAMHS (Child and Mental Health Service) and had an IQ test performed. The result was Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) with a borderline IQ 76/100. PDD - while not on the Autistic Spectrum shares many like characteristics to Autism - as it relates to speech and social skills.

Laurens issues and prognosis was now clearer. Lauren was most definitely going to struggle both academically and socially in a mainstream environment. But what were the options? Mainstream Lauren with an aide? No Lauren did not qualify for an Aide on speech or IQ and would most definitely struggle in a classroom of 20+ children. Special Needs School Laurens IQ was 6 points too high to qualify. Nor did she seem that needy. Lauren did not seem to fit either environment. Fortunately, Andale School does cater for children that dont fit in the mainstream or specialised systems.

Lauren started at Andale 2 years ago in 2001. It became instantly obvious that we had hit gold. Every facet of general academics is covered reading, writing, spelling, mathematics, science all broken into smaller easier to digest segments that are then tailored to each child's learning capacity and progress. Within one week of attending Andale, Lauren had learnt to read! I attribute this to not only the style of teaching but also the one-on-one time and environment that Andale offers. More than academics are offered at Andale also covered is a rich curriculum of extracurricular activities for example library, drama, PE, PMP, art, swimming, and this term yoga and karate! Additionally, should therapy be needed this is also provided. Speech, Social skills, Occupational Therapy are offered to those children that qualify (and sometimes even those that dont qualify but need the extra help anyway!) This is the difference between a mainstream school environment and being a part of the Andale community a very personal and tailored approach to the education of each child.

One of the core values of Andale is to help each child attain independence and living skills. While reinforced each day, it is focussed on at such times as the annual school camp and excursions throughout the year.

Being a parent, I have utmost comfort that with Andale, I am providing my daughter with the very best education can offer. I am grateful that I have the support of the Andale community. A community where parents help each other and where the teachers and particularly the Principal, Marg Cotter understand the challenges that we parents face and support us with smiles, the occasional hug, information nights, and constant advice.

Natalie Potter
Sercombe Gve, Hawthorn.