Nicolas* is an 11-year-old boy with Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) who loves technology, video games, and learning new skills. He enjoys challenges and likes showing others what he can do.
Like many children with Autism and ADHD, Nicolas experienced challenges at school. The classroom environment was distracting and overwhelming, making it difficult for him to focus on learning. Over time, he started missing more school days because staying at home felt easier and more comfortable.
Although school was tough at times, Nicolas never lost his desire to learn and develop new skills. Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) gave him an opportunity to explore what support worked best for him. Mosaic’s PBS team supported Nicolas, focusing on his strengths, especially his passion for technology and computers. Overtime, he was able to build confidence, experience success, and become more engaged in learning.
According to his Mosaic PBS Practitioner, Brendan Deany, the goal was to understand what was making school difficult for Nicolas and work alongside him, his family and his support network to find strategies that would increase his motivation, participation, and school attendance.
Turning interests into strengths
Instead of trying to take Nicolas away from his love of computers and video games, Mosaic’s PBS team used these interests to keep him motivated and engaged.
Together, they worked on:
- Creating clear routines and plans for each day.
- Using technology and game-based activities to build skills.
- Preparing for changes before they happened.
- Giving Nicolas more choice and control.
- Celebrating effort and progress.
- Building communication and self-advocacy skills.
- Learning strategies to manage stress and ask for help.
- Completing regular wellbeing check-ins.
- Supporting positive relationships with adults and peers.
By connecting learning opportunities with Nicolas’ interests, school gradually became a place where he could experience success and recognise his own strengths.
Learning to speak up
One of Nicolas’ biggest achievements has been learning how to communicate his needs. This is a challenge many people with Autism and ADHD can experience.
During one session, Nicolas shared that he felt his Education Assistant was not recognising how much his skills had grown. After discussing possible ways to raise the issue, he explained that he did not yet feel confident enough to use some of those approaches.
Instead, he worked with his PBS Practitioner to create a communication strategy that felt right for him and suited his needs.
This was an important moment in Nicola’s journey. It demonstrate growing self-awareness, confidence, problem solving skills, and his ability to advocate for himself.
Reaching important goals
Another exciting milestone was receiving his very first A grade, something Nicolas had worked incredibly hard to achieve.
For both Nicolas and his support team, it was a clear sign that his confidence, effort, and engagement in learning were paying off.
His strong computer skills also helped him do well in technology-based subjects, allowing him to experience success and feel proud of his achievements.
Since starting PBS with Mosaic, Nicolas has become more engaged in conversations about education and his future goals. He is better able to recognise when he feels overwhelmed and more confident in asking for support before challenges become bigger problems.
Most importantly, Nicolas is now attending school regularly, a huge achievement that reflects how far he has come.
Looking ahead
As Nicolas prepares for his final year of primary school, he has set an inspiring goal.
He would like to take on a leadership role at school and support other students who may be experiencing challenges similar to those he once faced.
Nicolas’ journey shows what can happen when a young person’s strengths, interests, and goals are placed at the centre of support. By building on what motivates him and celebrating every step forward, he has developed the confidence, skills, and resilience to thrive both at school and beyond.
His story is a reminder that every child has unique strengths. With the right support, those strengths can become powerful tools for growth, learning, and success.
Nicolas’ story shows the power of support that builds on a person’s strengths. To learn how our Positive Behaviour Support team can help, call 08 9314 8900 or submit an online enquiry.
*Name has been changed to maintain client privacy.