Elijah's story
Since he was a baby, Elijah had difficulties interacting with the world around him. After taking part in an oxytocin trial at the Brain and Mind Centre, Elijah and his family have a more holistic approach to dealing with his autism.
Elijah was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at three. His mum Cara had been searching for years for an answer to Elijah’s behavior and interactions, using speech therapy and an array of medications. Cara didn’t know where to find the answers.
He was my first child, so it was hard to know what the right milestones were. He was delayed in some areas, mainly speech and some repetitive behaviours. I talked to a pediatrician, it didn't get me anywhere
From 9 months old, Cara noticed Elijah needed help on his neurodevelopment. She had spoken to a pediatrician and GP, but it did not help. It wasn’t until a childhood nurse through the public health sector referred her to a counselor, who referred her onto the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Through the help of NDIS, Elijah saw a psychologist. He was diagnosed with autism before his 3rd birthday.
The Brain and Mind Centre clinical trial was another milestone in Elijah and Cara’s journey. The nasal spray trial using the oxytocin hormone, was the focus of the study. The trial also involved weekly online therapy sessions where Elijah and Cara were able to learn new skills to play and interact together.
It just was an eye-opener on all these other skills that no one really tells you about. You're learning how to properly engage with your child, and it was just fantastic.
Elijah Delarue. Credit: Autism Awareness Australia
Some of the stuff that I was learning as I was doing it, I was implementing with my other children, and I was seeing some change with them too. I was just grateful that I did do the trial, that I did do the course, it's helped us a lot.”
Autism is a lifelong neurological developmental condition that affects the way an individual relates to their environment. Individuals with autism have difficulty with communication, social interaction and have restricted or repetitive behaviors and interests. Currently, there is no cure, but the Brain and Mind Centre offers manageable solutions.