“All I want is for Leo to feel he belongs.
“When I heard the word ‘autism’, I honestly felt scared for him and for our family. But the day we found Learning for Life, that fear lifted - I didn’t feel as lost. They didn’t see Leo as a challenge - they saw him. That changed everything.”
– Emily, mother of Leo*
At The Learning for Life Autism Centre (L4Life), every child we meet reminds us why early intervention matters and why no family should miss out on the support they require. I'd like to share a story that shows the difference our work can make - not just for a child's development but for an entire family's future.
At three and a half, Leo was a bright and curious toddler. His parents, Emily and Josh, noticed he was happiest playing on his own, often completely absorbed in simple activities. At playgroup or with his cousins, he didn’t seem interested in joining in, and he rarely responded when they called his name. Leo was a gentle little boy but not especially affectionate - he didn’t resist cuddles, but he never reached out for them, either. They told themselves he was just taking his time - every child develops differently, right?
One afternoon, Melissa, the manager at Leo’s childcare, asked Emily for a quick chat. She gently shared that Leo wasn’t using many words and often became distressed by changes - like a new staff member or when outdoor play was cancelled. Melissa explained these behaviours might indicate developmental differences. She suggested they see their doctor or specialist for advice.
Following Melissa’s recommendation, Emily and Josh booked an appointment with a paediatrician. After a thorough assessment, the paediatrician agreed there were signs that needed closer attention - and handed them a brochure for L4Life, strongly encouraging them to get in touch.
“When the word ‘autism’ was first mentioned, I felt my stomach drop,” Emily recalls. “We didn’t really understand what autism meant - it was unfamiliar and, honestly, a bit confronting.”
That first meeting with the team at L4Life changed everything. “We walked out of there with hope,” said Emily. “They didn’t just see the challenges - they saw Leo. They believed in him, and they believed in us.”
Like every parent, Emily just wanted to know that her child would be okay. “The most relieving and reassuring part was knowing we wouldn’t be doing this alone.”
With their second baby due soon and Leo starting kindergarten next year, there are still unknowns ahead. But Emily and Josh now feel part of something bigger.
L4Life is more than a place that offers therapy and support services – it’s a village. A connected community where children begin to learn ‘how to learn’ in ways that work for them – building the skills, confidence and curiosity to thrive. It’s also where parents feel empowered, heard, and supported every step of the way.
L4Life may focus on children and teenagers, but as our name suggests, we walk alongside families for life.
Your support means families can get the help they need - no matter their financial situation. Before 30th June, please support L4Life with a tax-deductible donation. Your gift keeps the door open for every family who turns to us when they need it most.
Warm regards,
Nicci Godsman
Chief Executive Officer
*For privacy reasons, the names and details of this story have been changed.
P.S. Sometimes, a simple conversation can change a child's whole future. Your donation could be why another family leaves their first meeting with hope.
