Oje’s story: building confidence at Kids Can Achieve

Ten-year-old Oje is a happy, playful boy who loves dancing and watching Mr Tumble. Since he began coming to Kids Can Achieve (KCA), he has improved his communication, confidence and independence. His family, who might have had to become full-time carers, are now able to work and support their other children.   

Finding the right support

Oje is a ten year old boy. He is autistic and has a learning disability. He communicates using a small number of words and sounds and needs time to understand information. When he is overwhelmed Oje sometimes hurts himself, which is upsetting for Oje’s family, and must be very painful for Oje.

Oje previously went to a special school, but they couldn’t support his complex needs, and he wasn’t able to go there anymore.

Oje’s dad remembers how difficult it was: “I regularly received phone calls asking me to collect him because of his behaviour. The last three to four months before Oje was excluded from school were very difficult. My work and my health suffered because I was constantly having to leave work to collect him.”

Since June 2025, Oje has been without a place at a school.

Oje’s parents thought they would have to care for him at home full time. This made it difficult to continue working, and to support their younger daughter, who is also autistic.

Beginning at Kids Can Achieve

Since June 2025, Oje has attended KCA five days a week during school hours, as well as some Saturdays and for two days during the school holiday.

The team worked closely with Oje to understand his communication, interests and sensory needs, creating a personalised daily routine, with structured learning, play, movement and activities he enjoys.

Each morning, they encourage Oje to hang up his belongings and settle into his day at his own pace, as he finds transitions difficult. He enjoys exploring the sensory room, playing in the garden and taking part in activities with staff. This time helps him with get used to being at the centre.

His day also includes learning sessions focused on writing and number skills, with regular breaks to help him stay engaged. Staff are supporting Oje to develop his independence through everyday activities such as preparing his own toast and tidying away after himself.

Oje loves listening to songs from the TV show Mr Tumble and will often dance with staff, asking them to hold his hands and join in.

Through consistent support, clear routines and visual communication, the team has helped Oje feel more comfortable and confident at KCA.

Making progress

Since joining KCA, Oje has made positive steps. He is more able to join in activities, concentrate for longer periods and communicate what he needs. He becomes overwhelmed or distressed less often. He can do more activities independently and needs less support.

Oje is now more comfortable around other children. In October 2025, Oje began attending KCA’s Saturday and Holiday Clubs alongside other children aged 5 to 11.

The individual support he received during the week helped him prepare for these groups. Having staff who he knows and trust has given him confidence to gradually participate more independently.

For the team, some of the most rewarding moments are when Oje uses words to communicate or says goodbye to staff using their names. These may seem like small steps, but they’re important and big for Oje. He is making strides towards greater confidence, communication and independence.

Making a difference to the whole family

The impact of KCA’s support goes far beyond Oje’s time at the centre. Oje has been less overwhelmed. And his family has been able to have some stability in their daily lives.

His father days: “Since he has been attending KCA, the frequency of his head hitting has reduced and because I don’t need to collect him often during school hours, I am able to work properly again and my health has improved.”

The extra Saturday and holiday days at KCA have also given Oje’s parents more time to support his younger sister.

His father says that the difference has been life-changing. “If KCA was not available, I probably would have had to give up my job and become Oje’s full-time carer. We struggled to find him a school in the first place, so without KCA we really don’t know what we would have done. Both my wife and I are really grateful for all the support that KCA has given both Oje and our family through the family service.”

The future

The team at KCA helping Oje and his family to build on his progress. A key priority is supporting Oje to move into an educational placement where his needs are met.

In the meantime, KCA will continue helping him develop his communication through visual prompts and Makaton signs, build his daily living skills and become more confident and independent.

Help us support more children like Oje

At Kids Can Achieve, we provide activities, opportunities and support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, while offering vital support to their families.

With your help, we can continue making a difference to children like Oje and their families.

Follow this link to find out more about what we do and how you can support the work of Kids Can Achieve.