Pictured: Tate Roberts and CliniKids Senior Occupational Therapist Gayle Hillen
Tate Roberts was aged three when he was diagnosed with autism in 2022. At the time, Tate’s family was well accustomed to receiving support for his DiGeorge Syndrome, a genetic condition that was picked up through Telethon Kids Institute’s ORIGINS Project at his one-year-old assessment.
DiGeorge Syndrome is caused when a small part of chromosome 22 is missing and can lead to congenital heart problems, developmental delays and learning challenges. Tate also has Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1), a condition characterised by changes in skin pigmentation.
Tate, who turns four in September 2023, currently receives support to help him achieve his goals, including occupational therapy and speech pathology at CliniKids’ new Joondalup clinic. His father, Mark Roberts, said the family had been engaged with CliniKids for about a year, after the service came came highly recommended by a speech pathologist Tate had seen previously.
“We have 100 per cent trust in CliniKids, It’s comforting knowing that Tate is receiving the best evidence-based therapies available,” Mr Roberts said. “The supports he is receiving do seem to be helping with his coordination, and his interaction and communication with us.
“His therapists go above and beyond to ensure everyone, including his NDIS coordinator and daycare support worker, are all on the same page with Tate’s support. They are brilliant.”