10-year-old Jake Busby from Abingdon, Oxfordshire is learning to play with his younger brother for the first time since receiving an interactive projector funded by Variety, the Children’s Charity. 

Jake was diagnosed with Autism when he was four-years-old, due to his diagnosis, he has Global Developmental Delay, meaning that the 10-year-old has the mental age of a three-year-old. His parents struggle to get him to leave the house. 

Jake’s mum, Nichola Busby, said:

“I can’t say the last time Jake’s been to a park because he can’t cope with it. He really struggles to go anywhere at the moment. It’s a massive battle. He would just hide away and be sat in our bed all day watching telly, which is not great, but it’s the only thing that he would do because he doesn’t play.” 

Jake is a big sensory seeker, so when Nichola saw a video of a sensory projector, she knew it would be ideal for Jake. The projector system responds to movement to provide sensory stimulation through interactive games, quizzes, and virtual painting. When she found out the projector was £3,200 and out of her price range, Nichola was pointed towards Variety, the Children’s Charity for support. 

Since receiving the projector, life for Jake and the family has changed. Nichola said:

“He comes home from school and he can’t wait to go on the projector. He’s been interacting with his brother and they’ve been playing together. He’s actually asking for it rather than making sounds and pointing. 

“It’s just been amazing to see him playing and doing something that he enjoys. I think he’s just really happy. It’s a fantastic bit of kit.”

Thanks to the new equipment, not only has Jake been happier and calmer, but his younger brother Alex has been enjoying spending time with his big brother and learning to play together. 

Variety is a national charity which provides support to disabled and disadvantaged children through grants for wheelchairs, specialist equipment, experiences on Variety Great Days Out, and fully accessible transport for SEND schools in the form of their famous Variety Sunshine Coaches. 

To find out more about Variety, the Children’s Charity and how they help disabled and disadvantaged children, visit variety.org.uk.