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The name of the account at Standard Chartered Bank is 
"The Alex McGhie Fund". 
The trustees of the fund are Sue Spicer & Alison Ward.

To Whom It May Concern:  Re: Alex McGhie
Alex was initially assessed and diagnosed in the UK at Guy’s & ST. Thomas’ Hospital, in May 06. He was given a diagnosis of severe to moderate learning disability and Autism. 
His learning difficulty is significant, at the chronological age of 2 years 5 months he has an age equivalent to approximately 7 to 8 months. This is a gap of almost 2 years. It is not possible to make any definite predictions at the current time but it is very possible that the gap between his chronological age and age equivalent will widen as he develops. This means he will require a high level of care, support and encouragement in order to learn and retain new skills. Examples of these skills are: walking; feeding himself; toileting; dressing; communicating with others.

Autism is a disability, which affects his understanding of the world around him. It is a label given to children who have specific impairments in social interaction, awareness, and social communication and play skills. These are often combined with a limited repertoire of interest and a tendency to repetitive behaviours. Children with Autism can also be either under or over sensitive to environmental factors.

Future Goals and Development

In order for Alex to develop to his full potential and have the best quality of life he will require an environment that is designed to stimulate his senses – in order for him to learn at his optimum level. He will also require specialist, sturdy equipment designed to learn specific skills, for example Cause and Effect toys, Communication Boards, specific chairs and furniture. It is not possible to be specific about everything he will require for the future as he is still developing and his needs will change as he develops. It is now known that his needs will be long term.
It is possible to be specific regarding his immediate needs and those of the near future.
He would benefit from:
· Sensory equipment – As Alex is under sensitive to environmental stimulation he will require equipment which stimulates all of his senses. 
These are: 
Auditory – CD player for energising and relaxing music.
Toys that will reward him with sound when used in appropriate manner. 
For example, toys that plays songs when a button pressed (these will 
Probably have to be specialist so that button/switch is large and 
Sensitive enough for Alex to have successful control)

Visual – Specialist lighting to stimulate and motive. For example, items that 
Light up when touched, use specialist lighting such as UV, project light 
On to walls, moving lights.

Texture – Items that Alex can explore/problem solve. For example, a texture
Wall, texture flooring, multi-textured toys, chair which holds him 
firmly.

Physical – Items which encourage movement and support him while he moves. For 
Example, a swing that can allow independent use and move in circular 
Movements, 

In the future, Alex will require specialist equipment that develops and supports his communication. This will include PECs materials. This is a system of picture exchange. It will develop Alex’s understanding of joint attention, initiating communication and requesting items such as toys and/or food. In order to fully use PECS you would need: digital camera, PECS disc (Boardmaker is good), Velcro, laminator, laminating wallets and toys to motivate use.

Added  31st July 2004

The Charity Shop on West Falkland is now based at Manybranch Farm. Please contact Shirley if you would like to visit and pick up a load of bargains!

Added  26th October 2004