He’s not even three years old, and already Max knows the power of a good story.
“Max loves dinosaurs, trucks and playing outside, but his favourite thing to do is read books,” said Max’s mum, Kerri.
“I often find him going through books from his bookstand, or bringing a book to anyone who will read to him. His current favourites are, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and Three Billy Goats Gruff.”
Reading stories together also plays an important role in Max’s listening and spoken language therapy at Hear and Say, specialised speech therapy targeted at supporting the development of his speech and language.
The family were living in the regional city of Toowoomba when Max was born, and it was there that he was diagnosed with hearing loss in both ears and fitted with hearing aids.
“At such a confusing time with so many options, Hear and Say brought clarity and comfort to our lives right from the initial meeting. There was no question that they were the perfect fit,” said Kerri.
Relocating to the Northern Territory in 2019 didn’t signal the end of Max’s access to Hear and Say’s programs, with the family’s listening and spoken language therapy transitioning smoothly online to telepractice.
“The telepractice service was amazing when face-to-face options weren’t available to us,” said Kerri.
“Hear and Say goes above and beyond to assist, from their online parent support group to information sessions and resources for home and education settings.”
A move to Brisbane in late 2020 has meant the family will this year recommence centre-based support, bringing opportunities for Max to attend in-person Group Social Skills programs and for his family to connect with many others on a similar path.
“There have of course been ups and downs, but we are so proud of how far Max has come,” said Kerri.
“It’s been invaluable to have Hear and Say’s support and guidance in the ever-complex world of hearing loss, helping us to navigate our way through.”