‘Scared of my own son’: Mum’s plea after NDIS cuts

Every parent wants to protect their child.

But for Renee and Dave, that instinct has become heartbreaking and complicated.

The couple say their nine-year-old son, Max, who has level 3 autism and other complex disabilities, is the centre of their world. 

They also admit there are times they’re frightened of him.

“I am scared,” Renee says. “As much as I love him, he’s my whole world.”

The family shared confronting videos of Max’s violent behavioural episodes in the hope of showing the reality of caring for a child with complex needs.

Renee says she has suffered countless scratches, bruises and bite marks.

She says she’s been dragged across concrete, pushed over furniture, and had her head slammed into tiles during episodes that can last anywhere from five minutes to three hours.

Read more

Convicted murderer receiving taxpayer-funded weight-loss jabs behind bars

“They are full-blown beatings,” she says. “I sustain them very regularly.”

Despite the violence, both parents are unwavering in their love for their son.

“He is the sweetest, most beautiful, affectionate child,” Renee says. “He loves cooking, animals, swimming and cuddles.”

They say the behavioural episodes are a symptom of Max’s disabilities, not a reflection of the little boy they know.

The challenges have stretched far beyond the family home.

Dave says he’s lost jobs after repeatedly leaving work to respond to emergencies, while Max’s behavioural needs mean he attends school for only a few hours a day with one-on-one support. 

The family also says they have been asked to leave public places after Max lashed out at strangers and other children.

Until recently, the family relied on NDIS funding to access therapy, support workers and in-home care.

But they say Max’s latest NDIS plan reduced his funding from about $98,000 a year to about $27,000, leaving them without the support they believe is essential to keep everyone safe.

“Very bleak,” Renee says when asked what life looks like following the cuts.

She says she now lives in a constant state of anxiety and has installed security cameras inside her home for her own safety.

“I have been fearful that it’s only going to take one blow… one slip… and I’m not going to get back up again,” she says.

Despite everything they’ve endured, Renee and Dave insist this is not a story about blame.

Instead, they hope sharing their family’s most difficult moments will prompt action and help restore the support they say Max desperately needs.

Read more

‘My legs turn to jelly’: Inside the invisible disease with no cure and no charity

“We need help,” Dave says. “We need it now. We’re desperate.”

An NDIA spokesperson told A Current Affair: “The NDIA can only approve supports that are reasonable and necessary.

“All evidence provided is considered when the Agency makes funding decisions in line with the NDIS Act.

“It’s common for NDIS plans to go up and down over time, especially for children.

“As a child’s needs change, plans will change especially as children start to access other community supports such as early childhood education or school.”