Bertie’s brilliant progress means he’s up for award
FIVE-YEAR-OLD WITH AUTISM HAS COME THROUGH TOUGH TIMES IN LOCKDOWN WITH SMILE ON FACE
IMPRESSIVE progress made by a boy who has autism could earn him a national award.
Bertie Sharpe, five, does not speak and as well as autism has additional needs.
Throughout lockdown, Bertie, from Loughborough, could not attend appointments and missed out on developmental reviews, speech and language appointments, therapy sessions, support groups and his specialist nursery.
He became very anxious and started to lapse. The skills he had worked hard to develop were diminishing.
But the youngster is now making strong progress at school and can recognise numbers, colours and letters, and has started making sounds.
Bertie can now sign some words using Makaton, a language programme that uses symbols together with signs and speech.
He has been shortlisted for an award from the national disability charity Sense to recognise his achievements.
Proud mum Laura Brompton said: “It means the world to us for Bertie to be shortlisted.
“The pandemic has been a difficult time for everyone, but for Bertie it’s been tough because he’s had to get through it with no real understanding of what’s happening.
“He’s had to accept change as soon as it happens and that’s not easy for an autistic child.
“For him to come through it with a smile on his face is both inspiring and amazing.”
The Sense Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of people with complex disabilities, as well as the staff, carers, family members, volunteers and fund-raisers who support them.
Sense chief executive Richard Kramer said: “The pandemic has been an extremely challenging time for disabled children and their families, who have faced disruption to their education, care and support, with a huge impact on their development and wellbeing.
“It’s wonderful to celebrate Bertie’s achievements since starting school and we’re sure he’ll continue to flourish.”
Winners will be announced on November 25.