Demand timely occupational therapy support for children with critical needs
The Issue
I am a devoted mother of a vibrant 7-year-old boy who faces severe autism and complex additional needs. My son was identified as having critical needs over a year ago, yet we are still waiting for an occupational therapy assessment. Every day is a challenge that our family faces with courage and determination but also with an ever-growing concern for his safety and well-being.
Our lives revolve around mitigating serious risks, as my son has no awareness of danger and exhibits self-injurious and other dangerous behaviors. Our home urgently requires adaptations to make it a safe haven for him, yet despite the recognition of urgent needs by professionals, practical support remains absent.
Families like ours should not have to endure these prolonged waits for essential services. It's heart-wrenching to live in a state of constant vigilance and stress, knowing that every day without support increases the risk of harm. This not only jeopardizes our son's safety but places an immense burden on our entire family, straining us physically, emotionally, and mentally.
How can a child with needs classified as critical in October 2025 still be waiting over a year later for an occupational therapy assessment? This delay is not only unacceptable but also detrimental to the crucial developmental support our son desperately requires.
We need an urgent and systemic solution that ensures timely assessments and interventions for all children with critical needs. We demand that local health and child services prioritize immediate assessments and ensure that safety adaptations are swiftly made to homes in similar situations.
By signing this petition, you are advocating for the rights and well-being of children with critical needs and supporting families who are tirelessly fighting for their loved ones' basic needs to be met. We urge decision-makers to address and reform the systemic barriers that delay essential services. Together, we can pave the way for a more responsive and compassionate system that acts with urgency and care for our most vulnerable.
Please stand with us in demanding immediate change. Your signature can help us secure the timely support and resources our children deserve.
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The Issue
I am a devoted mother of a vibrant 7-year-old boy who faces severe autism and complex additional needs. My son was identified as having critical needs over a year ago, yet we are still waiting for an occupational therapy assessment. Every day is a challenge that our family faces with courage and determination but also with an ever-growing concern for his safety and well-being.
Our lives revolve around mitigating serious risks, as my son has no awareness of danger and exhibits self-injurious and other dangerous behaviors. Our home urgently requires adaptations to make it a safe haven for him, yet despite the recognition of urgent needs by professionals, practical support remains absent.
Families like ours should not have to endure these prolonged waits for essential services. It's heart-wrenching to live in a state of constant vigilance and stress, knowing that every day without support increases the risk of harm. This not only jeopardizes our son's safety but places an immense burden on our entire family, straining us physically, emotionally, and mentally.
How can a child with needs classified as critical in October 2025 still be waiting over a year later for an occupational therapy assessment? This delay is not only unacceptable but also detrimental to the crucial developmental support our son desperately requires.
We need an urgent and systemic solution that ensures timely assessments and interventions for all children with critical needs. We demand that local health and child services prioritize immediate assessments and ensure that safety adaptations are swiftly made to homes in similar situations.
By signing this petition, you are advocating for the rights and well-being of children with critical needs and supporting families who are tirelessly fighting for their loved ones' basic needs to be met. We urge decision-makers to address and reform the systemic barriers that delay essential services. Together, we can pave the way for a more responsive and compassionate system that acts with urgency and care for our most vulnerable.
Please stand with us in demanding immediate change. Your signature can help us secure the timely support and resources our children deserve.
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Petition created on 20 October 2026