Jacob's story

This is the poster, and here is Jacob's heart-warming story as told by his Mum...

Jacob was diagnosed with autism at 3 years old.  He struggles with social, communication, learning and the world around him.  From an early age we figured Jacob wasn't like other children, and although we loved him unconditionally, we knew that having him diagnosed would open up a world and different opportunities for him.

Jacob attended mainstream school until last  October ( age 8)  when we finally won our two year battle to get him into a school locally for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).  It was a hard, long, emotional battle. At times I even wondered if it would be worth the fight.  I questioned if I was doing the right thing many times, although I knew the truth was he belonged there.

Myself and my husband stayed true to our beliefs, and I will never forget the elation and relief we felt on the day of the accepting phone call.  We have never looked back, and Jacob is now finally enjoying and getting something out of school life.  It's just a shame his life at mainstream was so upsetting for him.

He is a adorable boy who fills my heart with joy and laughter.  He is a wonderful, isolated, quiet, complicated character who, along with his sisters, has completed my husband and my life.

The iPad from Hearts and Minds has given him an escape, and he is for the first time enjoying Mathematics and English work as he can visually see and understand on the iPad.

His favourite 'game' is subway surf!  Put on by his elder sister, he enjoys the visual fast movements and giggles away while playing it!

Thank you so much for the iPad, we could never explain enough the difference it has made to our beautiful boy.

If your child needs an iPad please check out Hearts and Minds:

Website: http://www.heartsandmindsphones.co.uk/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HeartsAndMindsUK
Twitter: @handmchallenge

This scheme began in Ireland: http://www.autismirelandphones.ie/