David runs into Aspect ACS each day and leaves skipping!
For two days each week, 20- year-old David Yong arrives at Aspect’s Adult Community Services St. Albans centre, ready to join his peers and support workers for a day of learning and growth. He doesn’t speak, but those who know him well understand just how much he says, through the way he guides a hand toward what he needs, and then lights up when he’s understood.
David is Autistic and non-verbal. He communicates through gestures and vocal sounds, but although he doesn’t speak, he comprehends everything that is said to him. And when his needs are met, he responds with a calm, happy presence that draws smiles from those around him.
Born into a loving Singaporean family, David has always been cherished at home. But out in public, things haven’t always been easy. His family often felt judged or misunderstood, especially at the local swimming pool, where community members didn’t always welcome his presence. “It’s not anger,” his mother, Serene once explained. “It’s that they don’t understand. They’ve never met someone like David before.”
Aspect’s St Albans centre has become a place where David feels included and where his needs are recognised and his strengths supported.
At the centre, David’s day is filled with meaningful activities shaped around his goals. These include learning to use public transport, practicing everyday routines and accessing community spaces like the gym. He’s working on life skills that help him to become more independent, such as preparing simple meals, organising his belongings and managing transitions with the help of visual routines and structure.
He especially loves swimming which is a goal the team is helping him work towards despite past challenges. Through partnership with supportive staff and patient guidance, David is beginning to re-enter local swimming facilities in a way that feels safe and affirming. “He belongs in the community,” his support worker, Andrew Smith says simply. “It’s our job to help others see that.”
David’s strengths are a big part of his story. He is a puzzle enthusiast, often completing them in record time, and recently began experimenting with drawing and number patterns, a new area of interest the team is gently encouraging. With consistency and support, David is making incredible progress, showing increased confidence, flexibility and participation in group activities.
For his family, the changes have been profound. “Before, we didn’t know how to help him grow outside our home,” his mother shares. “Now we see him becoming more independent, even in little things. He’s part of something.”
David’s story is a reminder of how important it is to have the right support, and how much of a difference it makes when people take the time to understand each other, especially across cultures. Inclusion doesn’t just happen but grows through patience, care and a community that’s open to learning.
If you’re looking for individualised support that meets your loved one where they’re at, Aspect ACS is here to help. You can learn more about our 4 Melbourne locations (St Albans, Hawthorn, Heatherton and Northcote) at aspect.org.au/acs
