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Almost every parent dreams of a bright future for their child, filled with goals, opportunities and success.
Cindy Corrie certainly did for her son Samuel who has autism.
But when her research unveiled that people on the autism spectrum represented the highest rate of unemployment among the general population, as well as those living with a disability, she was astounded.
Further more, only 65 percent of students on the autism spectrum completed years 10 to 12, and only 6.5 percent completed post school study.
“I simply wasn’t going to accept that future for my son knowing that, when provided with the right support, he was absolutely capable of achieving amazing outcomes," Mrs Corrie said. "The problem was that our schools didn’t have the resources or the expertise to support us to make that happen.”
It was these frightening statistics and a desire for more opportunities for her son that encouraged Mrs Corrie to pursue the formation of a specialised school for children with autism.
And with careful planing and perseverance, The Sycamore School was opened on the grounds of the TAFE campus, Alexandra Hills in January 2017.
Under principal Ronwyn Collier, a specialised program provides a unique initiative that combines the importance of academic achievement with developmental progress.
Class sizes are small enabling learning to be delivered with individual goal attainment in mind.
This is achieved and supported by a multi-disciplinary team of staff including teachers, education support officers, and a range of therapy staff including Eve the animal assistance dog.
“It’s an absolute honour to lead a school that has such a high level of respect for its students and their unique capabilities," Mrs Collier said. "As much as we are here to teach them, they teach us something new every day."
Staff focus on using students' special interests and strengths to support them in learning and also support them to succeed in areas that are more challenging.
"Their courage and tenacity is inspiring," said Mrs Collier.
The not for profit school is committed to ensuring all students can reach their academic potential.
It now supports 77 students from prep to year 8 and continues to provide unrivaled opportunities for young people on the autism spectrum in Queensland.
Mrs Corrie said families travel up to an hour to attend The Sycamore School and many families have relocated from rural Queensland, interstate, and overseas to have their children attend.
