Critical child care centres that have provided specialist support to kids living with severe autism for two decades will close within weeks, as NDIS cuts leave families with nowhere to go.
The Queensland families say the AEIOU Foundation service has been life-changing, but the organisation can't continue to offer it without a funding lifeline.
Four-year-old Jack is ASD level three, which means he needs significant support to live his life.
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But after enrolling at the AEIOU Foundation's supported child care centre in Brisbane's south last year, mum Emily watched her little boy come leaps and bounds.
"He reacts to when someone says his name," she said.
"He can sit at a table and do an activity."
The Nathan centre is one of four to close in Queensland, along with operations in Bundaberg, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast.
Doctor James Morton is watching the Foundation he built two decades ago fall apart following what he's described as "savage" cuts spurred by the federal government's fight to constrain a ballooning $50 billion NDIS budget.
"Early 2024, the average package was around the $50,000 to $60,000 a year," he said.
"Mid-year it got cut to $30,000 and it's now sitting at between $10,000 and $20,000 for many children."
The foundation sunk into millions of dollars in debt so families weren't out-of-pocket but reached a point of no return, with families forced to leave.
This time last year about 300 children were enrolled at AEIOU centres. Today that's down to 120.
"The NDIS reforms changes that have happened have made it tricky to keep going," Gold Coast centre manager Kylie Campbell said.
"It's hard for the families. And for AEIOU.
"We've provided these services for such a long time that is has come as a big shock to everyone.
"The hardest thing is the family and the children losing their safe space."
Sherie Keene, whose five-year-old son Luca was non-verbal, said his development since being at the centre has been "like night and day".
"You can ask him a question and he'll answer you," Keene told 9News.
"It's an amazing place and I'm devastated that it's closing."
The Gold Coast centre's last day of operation will be June 27, leaving families in limbo with many other specialist facilities full.
Early childhood centres offering a mix of mainstream and support learning are not always appropriate for all children.
Jorien van Gool's four-year-old son, William, was also non-verbal and had challenges in mainstream kindy.
"Since (starting at AEIOU) he has been able to talk in full sentences, he's been able to learn, he's been able to just flourish," van Gool said.
"He's made such beautiful friendships here that I never thought was possible.
"It's just so much more than shutting down a kindy."
Early intervention programs for children with development delay or disability can help with communication, social and emotional development, and improve self-esteem and school readiness.
The National Disability Insurance Agency didn't respond to a request for comment by deadline.
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