Thank you letter from Elle’s mother:Elle, pictured above, is 11 years old and enjoys being with family, friends and her animals. Elle was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in 2019. As a family we did not understand much about sensory sensitivities that can come with ASD. Once we received more education about sensory supports from occupational therapy with the child health centre, we were able to try methods that could help Elle to regulate more. What we didn’t realise is that Elle was already creating sensory supports without us even knowing. Elle would put three blankets on her bed to make them heavier because she liked the pressure. With the sensory library we trialed the weighted blanket and she was able to confirm the pressure/weight was what she was seeking. As a new family to ASD we thought she was getting more blankets as she was cold. We are now planning to purchase a weighted blanket for Elle and can make this expense confidently due to being able to use the sensory item library. Elle also took a shining to the weighted dogs on her lap. She will put them on her legs while she is sitting and concentrating which has helped with her flicking her feet and legs around which can be distracting for others. Thank you Marie at child health and also the funders who have provided us with knowledge and support for our daughter Elle to regulate herself.The CHART Fund was established in February 2007, with Northland Community Foundation (NCF) under the Health Endowment Fund. The objectives of the fund are for the advancement and research of health needs of children and young people in Northland. It is also to establish seed funding for a longer-term endowment in the hope that the fund may attract further donations so that over time it can provide an ongoing source of funding. CHART was set up initially by clinicians at the Child Health Centre of Northland District Health Board (DHB). The acquisition of the assets and funding of previous projects was a result of the voluntary efforts of the group led by Dr Roger Tuck as Chair of the Committee. (Please note: the CHART Fund can also accept direct pass-through donations to projects happening now). Donate today: www.northlandcommunityfoundation.org.nz/donateOn November the 16th 2020 the Northland District Health Board (Northland DHB) Child Health Services Team and Northland Community Foundation (NCF) held an afternoon tea and presentation to celebrate and energise the CHART Fund. The presentation showcased research and quality improvement projects across many child health disciplines. To find out more about the presentation click here: Child Health Advancement Research Trust Fund
