“He’s been excited to talk about his holiday. He came back a bit happier.”
Amy's Story
Leon has always said that he wants to go on the big roller coasters but he’s never quite been tall enough. On a holiday to Clacton, Essex, nine-year-old Leon finally fulfilled his dream.
Even though he always talks about going on the big rides, I thought ‘no way will he do it!’ He’s scared of hand dryers but he went on the looping rollercoaster. And he loved it! I had no choice, I had to go on everything with him. It was such a great day.
Amy and Leon stayed at Parkdean Valley Farm for five days in April. Amy's sister, who has a five-month-old baby who Leon adores, came along to support Amy. It made the trip much easier as Amy’s sister can drive and together they had a wonderful time.
Leon has autism and ADHD. He’s been really struggling with anxiety at his mainstream school, and now only attends part-time. Amy is in the process of applying for an EHCP which will help get him in a school that will better suit his needs.
Despite the challenges he faces at school, he’s been really trying, and Amy couldn’t be prouder of Leon. The holiday came at just the right time for Leon as he really deserved a treat.
In fact it was Leon who chose to go to Parkdean Valley Farm. It was a good choice because the journey wasn’t too long but it felt far enough away to be different from home.
Amy has to balance giving Leon all the details of what they are going to do, if they are planning a trip or something new, but she can’t tell him too far in advance because he can become obsessed. When she told him about the holiday, he was really excited to be the one to choose where they would go.
Like many autistic children, routine and calm is really important to Leon. Amy was relieved that the caravan park was fairly quiet and peaceful when they went.
The day trip to Clacton pier, and particularly riding the Looping Star, are treasured memories. Leon has kept his pass card as a souvenir and he couldn’t wait to tell his schoolmates and dad about his bravery. But he also loved visiting the zoo, eating ice creams, playing in the arcades and a pool party with other children. Amy mentioned:
He loved the pool party. Leon really likes swimming and they had all the inflatables out, and played lots of games. Like loads of families, we haven’t been away for so long and Leon has grown up so much since then. He’s too cool for the kids clubs now!
For Amy, it was exhausting to be away, but great to have had the opportunity. As he gets older, Amy is aware Leon won’t want to hang out with his mum quite so much and her main aim was just to have lots of fun and build his confidence. It did them both the world of good to spend quality time together and have a change of scenery.
And Leon has come home just that bit more confident, and proud of himself. He really is a superstar.
Amy and Leon have returned home to the ongoing challenge of getting Leon’s needs recognised and met. There’s a lot of paperwork and it’s a long process but Amy is hopeful that Leon will be supported in a school more suited to his needs. The break was a really good opportunity to spend time together, and give Leon a boost just when he needed it.
Since coming home, Amy says,
He’s been excited to talk about his holiday. He was really proud of himself to have gone on the roller coaster. He came back a bit happier. I think it helps with him going to school as he has something to talk about in his class.