Autism Awareness month: Casey's story

Autism Awareness month is about promoting understanding and creating a world where people with autism can reach their full potential - so the timing couldn’t be better for selectability to provide an update on Rockhampton consumer Casey.

You may remember Casey from our news feature in April 2020 celebrating Casey’s employment at a local bakery – a position his has held for more than a year now!

While Casey continues to progress towards his goals, he speaks openly about the challenges he has overcome and shares his story in the hope that he can motivate others to work hard to reach their own potential.

At just 15 months old he became very ill and was diagnosed with Kawasaki’s disease, and spent time away from school in his primary years very sick.

Casey would later also be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and speech and language difficulties.

Although these diagnoses made school harder for Casey he proudly shares that he “worked very hard and completed year 12”.

“I have lived in Rockhampton all my life and attended school at Heights College and also went to TAFE while completing years 11 and 12,” said Casey.

Refusing to live life defined by his diagnoses, Casey meets the challenges head on with the motto “don’t give up, you aren’t a quitter”.

“Everything I have done has always been hard for me, but I always give everything a go and if I fail then I go back and have another go,” explains Casey.

Casey recently passed his driving test and can now cross the goal of getting his P-plate drivers licence off his list!

“It took me three years to get my Ps and although it was hard for me, I got there in the end and that’s what matters the most.”

When he was granted NDIS funding, Casey said he found it quite difficult to find the services and supports he needed to reach his goals.

“I definitely experienced some barriers in the beginning…but then I found selectability in 2020. With the help of my selectability workers in 12 months I have been able to reach so many of my NDIS goals.

“I love working with selectability, all the workers are really nice and I don’t feel judged by any of them. Everyone encourages me to go after the things that are important to me.

“My life is so much better with selectability supporting me, I don’t have to rely on my family as much anymore. I come and go from my home doing what I want, when I want. And I feel more in control of my life now than I have before and my confidence has grown so much.”

While selectability specialises in supporting people with mental health concerns we have extensive experience in supporting people with autism to live their best life.

You can find more information about our individual support services HERE