Lyrebird ELC's Little Love, Audrey

Hi everyone,

My name is Mikayla. I am the centre director at Lyrebird ELC.

We have a very special little love with us at Lyrebird, Audrey.

She is one of the best parts of my day.

Audrey has Retts Syndrome. A very rare genetic disorder that affects mainly girls. There are roughly 200 girls in Australia with this diagnosis. Audrey cannot walk, has very limited use of her hands and cannot, and unless there's a cure - will not ever speak.

Audrey has the biggest, brightest smile I've ever known & loves to have a cuddle.

Audrey without a doubt understands what is going on, she has the perfect brain trapped inside her body.

Those with a diagnosis of Retts Syndrome can communicate in varying ways depending on ability.

We are raising funds to support Audrey & her family in accessing some incredible eye-gazing technology.

Audrey had a session on the 31st of November:

This was her first trial of the screen as a demo. This session was to introduce her to it and to see if she engages with it.

The therapist said that girls this age rarely engage the first time and take some time.

True to her determination and clever brain, she nailed it!

The specialist was blown away and Audrey was very proud. It bodes well toward unlocking her words and is a step closer to being apart of the world around her.

We are big believers in the importance of community, & that it takes a village to raise a child.

Audrey is a part of our family, & this sort of thing is what family is for.

Lyrebird ELC is in the process of putting on a show in Audrey's honour. More details to follow.

Any & all donations, big or small are welcomed with so much gratitude.

Mikayla