St Elizabeths Centre Annual Report End Dec 2022 FINAL - Flipbook - Page 18
Dylan’s story – told by his mum Susie
My son Dylan is 18 years old. He has right-sided Hemiplegia, epilepsy,
behavioural dif昀椀culties and learning disabilities. Dylan underwent a
left hemispherectomy (where part of the hemisphere in the brain is
removed) in 2012, which has had a good effect on his seizures.
In the same year, Dylan started at St Elizabeth’s - when he was 8
years old - as our local mainstream school could no longer meet his
educational and behavioural needs. St Elizabeth’s was our only option
for a special needs school that we wished for him to attend; so we
fought and fought, and 昀椀nally our 昀椀ght was won and he started as a
day pupil. There was lots of change which St Elizabeth’s supported not
only with Dylan, but us as a family, and he soon settled into his new
school.
The on-site physiotherapist and occupational
therapy team support Dylan with his day-to-day
needs and the strengthening of his right side, and
they make available any aids that can help him be
as independent as possible.
Dylan also sometimes has overnight stays at St
Elizabeth’s. This has helped immensely, as not
only does it give him more independence and
the availability to socialise with his friends at the
school, it also gives us as parents the odd evening
to spend quality time with Dylan’s older brother.
The staff make Dylan feel very comfortable and
we feel relaxed that he is in a safe and happy
environment, having fun.
Getting Dylan into St Elizabeth’s is the best decision we as a family
have made. It has helped and supported Dylan in reaching his full
potential and has given us the peace of mind that not only he is gaining
a fantastic education but also making friends with the other students
and staff.
‘Getting Dylan into
St Elizabeth’s is the best
decision we as a family
have made.’
He is now approaching graduation,
where he will leave St Elizabeth’s and
go on to study at Herts Regional
College.
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