Success stories

Leo

Leo’s Story: Creating a Safer Space to Play

Leo is a lively and energetic five-year-old with complex ASD.  Pre-verbal and full of curiosity, he loves to climb, jump, and build towers out of anything he can find, from toys and furniture to clothing and shoes!  To help keep him safe at home, Leo’s parents created a designated play area with a soft floor mat.  The mat has become a key part of his daily routine, offering a safe and comfortable space where he can relax, calm down, or even drift off to sleep after an active burst of play.

When Leo’s social worker reached out to The McCarthy Dixon Foundation (TMDF) for support, they explained that the family needed a second mat to extend his safe play area.  Using our funds, we were delighted to purchase an additional mat and have it delivered directly to the family, giving Leo more room to jump, roll, and play safely.

According to Leo’s family:

“A second mat will extend the safe area Leo can jump, roll and play in as well as relax and be calm, this will improve the whole family’s lives as we will know Leo is safe in a bigger area.”

Reflecting on the support from TMDF, they added:

“The McCarthy Dixon Foundation have been amazing, such a quick response and they understand why we have asked for the second mat. We can’t thank them, and our support worker for signposting to them, enough.”

With the extra mat now in place, Leo has a larger, safer space to play and explore, helping the whole family feel more at ease.  TMDF is proud to provide practical, meaningful support that makes a real difference to children and families like Leo’s.

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