Bruce is kicking goals

A three-month family road trip around Australia during COVID was when four-year-old Bruce Limov’s mother Melissa recognised her youngest son was “on the spectrum”.

“While we were heading up north, I started noticing some red flags about him,” Melissa said.

“He seemed very anti-social, had separation anxiety and was still nonverbal. He wasn’t even really saying any words at two going on three.”

Upon their return, Melissa embarked on a journey of discovery, leading to Bruce’s diagnosis of Level 3 autism. She then sought support from organisations. Bruce’s journey at AEIOU’s centre in Bald Hills began in January 2024, and the progress he has made since is nothing short of remarkable.

“He loves structure and routine. He thrives on knowing what to expect,” Melissa said.

“Knowing it’s five days a week, with the same people in his class, the teachers — he’s really grown in that aspect of just knowing what is to come.”

Bruce’s development extends beyond routine — his speech has improved, and his social skills have blossomed.

“I hear from the teachers that he’s actually encouraging other children to come sit down and play with him and interacting like that. He’s toileting himself too, which is great.

In a heart-warming display of community support and inclusivity, Bruce found himself on the footy field alongside the Dolphins NRL team. The Dolphins, a key charity partner of AEIOU, welcomed Bruce to a regular training session as part of their ongoing commitment to supporting children with autism and their families.

“He loves to throw a ball and jump. He is very active. We are a soccer family but that may change now Bruce has met the Dolphins.”