Kris has newfound confidence and independence, embracing change and growing his social network.

Kris Meyers is a 17-year-old who loves fishing and cooking meals for his family. Kris has Autism, Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and severe anxiety. After experiencing bullying at school, Kris’ mum Frances turned to online homeschooling which, despite improvements in his learning and confidence, limited his social contact outside his immediate family.

Before joining Acacia Plan Management, Kris was extremely shy, found it hard to interact with unfamiliar people and was often anxious to leave home and try new experiences. He always relied on his mother to accompany him when leaving his home. Since joining the Arabon team in September 2018, Kris attained many of his goals in under six months with the help of his support worker Gail. She assisted with getting Kris the help he needed, checking in with him regularly and visiting him at home.

Since gaining the independence to leave his home, Kris is now successfully engaged with several organisations to meet his NDIA goals. He attends a weekly exercise physiology class at the gym close to home and follows instructions from his trainer, gaining strength and confidence along the way. Kris also engages with the Happy Paws Happy Hearts program and attends the weekly program at the RSPCA where he interacts with other adults with a disability and members of staff. He has a support worker from Health Care Australia who transports and assists him at each of these activities.

Says Frances, “With the loving care and encouragement of Gail and his support workers, Kris will now confidently leave the house and happily talk to and engage with others. Kris has positively cooperated with each care professional to his utmost ability. His school has noticed a massive change in the way Kris is growing and developing every day. I would like to say a big thank you to Acacia Plan Management and their amazing team”.