When Arun and Maya welcomed their twin boys into the world, life was already more complex than they had imagined.
Born prematurely at 33 weeks during the height of the COVID pandemic, the twins spent their first 10 days in the hospital nursery without the comfort of their parents’ touch. Their father was isolating with COVID, while their mother recovered alone after surgery. It was a difficult and emotional beginning for the young family.
As the boys grew, their parents began noticing differences between the twins. Around 18 months old, Kiaan stopped responding consistently to his name, avoided eye contact and preferred repetitive, solitary play.
“At first we thought maybe it was hearing or vision,” Arun explains. “But deep down we knew something wasn’t right.”
After a series of assessments, Kiaan was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 3 and Global Developmental Delay.
“The news felt like the world had come crashing down on us,” Arun says. “We had already faced major medical challenges with his brother, and emotionally we just weren’t prepared for another battle.”
Like many families, Arun and Maya suddenly found themselves navigating a world of appointments, reports, therapies and uncertainty. They were trying to process the diagnosis while managing work commitments, sleepless nights and caring for toddler twins without nearby family support.
“It was overwhelming,” Arun recalls. “We wanted to do everything we could for Kiaan, but we didn’t know where to start.”
Finding Hope Through Early Support
Eventually, a recommendation from another parent led them to Stronger Together Foundation.
“That connection changed everything for us,” Arun says. “From our very first interaction, Stronger Together Foundation made us feel supported, understood and hopeful.”
For the first time, the family felt they had people walking alongside them who genuinely understood their journey.
Since then, Kiaan has participated in speech therapy, occupational therapy, Andy Bear Club, group programs and inclusive community events through the Foundation.
The family says the support has transformed not only Kiaan’s development, but their confidence as parents.
“When it comes to therapy, it can feel like nothing is happening at first,” Arun explains. “Like making popcorn. Then suddenly, things start to pop.”
Over time, the small steps began adding up.
Today, Kiaan is beginning to use simple words like “Daddy”, “Ball” and “Open”. He can follow instructions, regulate his emotions more effectively and engage more confidently in activities and social settings.
For his family, these milestones are more than just developmental achievements. They are moments of connection, independence and hope.
Every new word, every new skill and every breakthrough represents progress that once felt out of reach.
Looking back, Arun believes accessing support early made all the difference.
“If we had delayed getting support, we may have thought these behaviours were just part of his personality and waited too long to act,” he says.
“Early intervention has given Kiaan the best possible chance to grow, learn and become more independent.”
Today, Arun and Maya feel far more confident about the future.
While there are still challenges ahead, they know they are not facing them alone.
Their hopes for Kiaan are simple: that he continues to grow in confidence, build meaningful relationships and develop the skills he needs to live a happy and fulfilling life.
Because Early Support Matters
Families like Kiaan’s remind us why early support matters.
Through therapy, group programs, inclusive events and family support, children can develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive, while parents gain the guidance, reassurance and connection they need along the way.
“Your support truly changes lives,” Arun says. “It creates hope for families who feel lost and overwhelmed, just like we once did.”
This End of Financial Year, your donation can help more children and families access life-changing support when they need it most.
Together, we can ensure more families find hope, connection and the opportunity to build a brighter future.
*Names and identifying details changed for privacy.
