When Sonny was nine months old, his mum, Gemma, knew something wasn't quite right.

"I knew from a really young age that there was something different," she explains. "But I didn't feel like I was being heard."

Like many parents, Gemma trusted her instincts. Despite being told she was simply a first-time mum and that "he's just a boy", she continued searching for answers.

At two years and nine months old, Sonny was diagnosed with autism and sensory processing disorder. Over the years, he has also been diagnosed with hypermobility and has experienced significant anxiety. Receiving a diagnosis answered some questions, but it also marked the beginning of a journey that often felt overwhelming.

"We had Portage, speech therapy, child development centres, psychologists and occupational therapists. There were so many appointments, but I just wanted support." It was through the service provider, Portage, that Gemma first heard about Little Miracles.

Finding a place where they could just be

Gemma and Sonny first came to Little Miracles shortly after Sonny turned three, but taking that first step wasn't easy.

"I was absolutely terrified because my anxiety is awful." Like many parents of children with additional needs, Gemma worried about how other people would react when Sonny became overwhelmed.

"When Sonny was little, he'd dive into babies' prams because he didn't like babies. He'd pull hair and drag children off slides. I just needed somewhere we could go where we weren't going to be judged." She didn't arrive with any expectations. 

"I just wanted someone to listen. I wanted somewhere safe." And what they found, was far more than they had ever hoped for. "It became the place where we could just be us." Whether Sonny was struggling, Gemma was feeling overwhelmed, or they needed somewhere to escape the pressures of everyday life, Little Miracles became their safe space.

"The key thing was Sonny always said to me, 'I feel safe here.'" For Gemma, and any parent of a child with additional needs, hearing those words means everything.

                                             

Support that grows with you

Over the last 13 years, Little Miracles has been there for Gemma and Sonny through every stage of their journey.

Although they've enjoyed spending time in the garden, our sensory spaces and meeting other families, it's the counselling support that has had the biggest impact. "I honestly don't know where we'd be without it."

Having accessed a number of different services over the years, Gemma says what makes Little Miracles different is the way support is centred around the individual. "Elsewhere you often get six sessions and then that's it. Here, it's personal. If I need to walk, I can walk. If I need to cry, I can cry. If Sonny is struggling, everything is adapted to us."

There has never been pressure to fit into a timetable. "The counsellors work at our speed. If we need support for years, we get support for years. If there's a crisis, we can reach out. I've never experienced that anywhere else."

For Gemma, knowing that support doesn't suddenly stop has made all the difference in the world.

Watching Sonny grow

As Sonny has grown, so has his confidence. Over the years, he's built trusting relationships with his counsellors, completed online courses, met other young people and, more recently, volunteered at Little Miracles' Youth Club.

"It's given him independence, confidence and made him feel worthwhile."

One particular memory always makes Gemma smile."There have been parents who've asked me, 'Is Sonny coming tonight?' because their children were so excited to see him." When she shared those comments with Sonny, she saw the positive impact it had on him."That's exactly the boost he needs. It helps him see what an amazing person he is."

For a young person who once struggled to feel understood, those moments have been invaluable.

               

More than people realise

Looking back, Gemma says it's impossible to put into words just how much Little Miracles has meant to their family."We came because we needed support, but we stayed because we found somewhere we weren't judged."

She hopes more people come to understand just how much the charity does for families like hers.

"I don't think people truly realise everything Little Miracles does. The family support, the counselling, the activities, the food support, the holidays, the day trips… it goes so much further than people realise."

When we asked what she would say to people who are thinking about fundraising or donating to Little Miracles, her answer is was:

"I would ask people to support, donate and do whatever they can because I don't think people realise how much of a difference it makes."

For Gemma, the impact has been life-changing."I don't know where we'd be without Little Miracles. And if I feel like that, for families with even more complex needs than ours... I'd go as far as saying it's lifesaving."

💛 Need support?

If you're a parent or carer of a child with additional needs, disabilities or a life-limiting condition, you don't have to navigate it alone.

Whether you're looking for advice, activities, counselling or a place where you and your child can feel understood, our Family Support Team is here to help.

Get in touch today to find out how we could support your family.