Young family's lives changed by new home

“Living our lives has been so much easier since we moved in. We really feel at peace here.”

A few short months ago, life was very different for the family.

The home they were living in wasn’t helping eight-year-old Alex, who benefits from calming spaces because of her autism.

“Alex is sensitive to noise and over-stimulation and where we were living was really the opposite of what we needed to function as a family.

“It was a really busy environment with a lot going on. The home was small and didn’t have a proper backyard space we could retreat to when Alex needed a calming space, which made things difficult.

“We just weren’t happy there and it was stressful,” says Natasha.

Not being able to go outside and having room to be apart when Alex needed her own space was challenging for the family.

Now settled in their new Kāinga Ora home, they have the space they need and Natasha is glowing about the difference this has made.

“We used to wake up not knowing what Alex we would get and how we would manage that. But this home has meant we don’t worry about that anymore.

“Its location and surroundings have really helped us manage Alex’s needs. The neighbourhood is quiet and having a big backyard has provided us the space we need,” Natasha says.

All of this has improved day-to-day life for the family, with Alex less affected by her surroundings.

“Her sleeping has improved and we’re finding she doesn’t get agitated as much as she used to. She’s finding school a lot easier too.

“We’re finding we can do more things together as a family as well, like going for walks or going to visit my parents down the road more often.

“Being a single-mum and working part-time, it’s nice to know I can go off to work to provide for my kids and know that they’re more settled and thriving.

“I’m so grateful for this home and the way it’s transformed our lives,” says Natasha.