10 Years of Real Support: Layla’s Story
When Layla first connected with Dynamic Ability Support in 2023, the focus was on building confidence in the everyday. Simple moments like visiting shops, navigating retail spaces, and managing money became opportunities to practise independence. With support alongside her, Layla began to find her voice, moving from relying on guidance to expressing her own preferences and choices.
Over time, support sessions shifted from guided outings into experiences led by Layla herself.
She started choosing activities that reflected her interests, including visits to the Newcastle Museum where she enjoys researching and taking photographs independently. Rather than sitting alongside her support worker, Layla began choosing to spend time with her own circle of friends. A small shift, but an important one, reflecting a growing sense of confidence, belonging, and identity.
A defining part of Layla’s journey has been her experience with Short Term Respite.
Known affectionately as the "wonton queen," she took pride in preparing meals, contributing to shared responsibilities, and being part of the household. She moved from participating with support to leading her own decisions. Confidence that carried into every part of her life.
Today, Layla leads her own support sessions and confidently shapes how she spends her time. From catching public transport and achieving her driver's licence to building friendships through trivia and social outings, she approaches life with independence, energy, and a strong sense of self.
Layla is autistic, and her journey reflects how the right support can adapt to the individual. As Layla shared, "I love it. You guys rock." Her mum Tanya added, "I don't think I can find enough of those big-adulty words to convey how much the DAS experience has benefited my little Layla. The DAS experience is second-to-none."
Layla's story is a reflection of what happens when the right support meets the right moment. During World Autism Understanding Month, and as part of our 10 Stories for 10 Years milestone, we celebrate her journey and what becomes possible when support is shaped around the person.