Aliza Achieves Independence

Aliza Bernstein was diagnosed with Autism shortly before her third birthday. At that time, her speech wasn’t developing as it should, and she was losing the few words she had. Since then, she has made tremendous gains. Now 16 years old, Aliza attends a special high school where she works on reading comprehension and basic math skills. There is hope that she will enter a coop program for basic job training. However, there are still many challenges – Aliza requires constant encouragement to use language to express herself, and she has compulsive tendencies that interfere with her day to day life.

Working with a behavioural therapist, it became evident that Aliza was ready for more independence. The therapist suggested that a way to develop this independence was to attend an overnight camp. While the family initially resisted the idea since Aliza had never spent even one day away from them, they eventually decided to send Aliza to camp – for five and a half weeks. However, the cost of camp, along with a therapist to help prepare both Aliza and the camp staff became an obstacle for the family. Help wasn’t as readily available as the family thought – there were few financial supports, and they were left to manage on their own. Hearing about Dayforce Cares, the family applied for a grant. They were ecstatic to learn that Dayforce Cares would help cover the cost of the camp fees and therapist.

The family is happy to report that camp was a success – Aliza had an incredible summer! At camp, Aliza developed a sense of control over herself and her belongings, learned to function in a group and perhaps most importantly, built relationships and connections with other children her age.

Dayforce Cares was fortunate to have Aliza’s mother, Miriam, join us at the first annual Dave MacKay Memorial Golf Tournament on September 21, 2016 to share the positive impact that the charity has had not only on Aliza, but on the entire Bernstein family.