Harley is a 6-year-old boy in Year 1 in a regional special school. He has a diagnosed genetic condition known as Prader-Willi syndrome. The characteristics described below are a result of Harley’s condition.
Harley experiences a range of learning difficulties and requires a tailored program across most curriculum areas.
A speech pathologist provides strategies to support his expressive language development and to improve Harley’s articulation and voice quality.
As Harley processes information slowly, teachers ensure that he has extra time to understand and to complete tasks. He receives instruction within a small group to acquire new concepts and skills using a highly structured approach.
Harley accesses an occupational therapist outside school to support his fine motor skills and writing formation. There is good communication between the occupational therapist, home and school so that adjustments are implemented at home and school.
Because of obsessive behaviour and rigidity in his thinking, Harley has issues interacting appropriately with peers whom he perceives as acting inappropriately. This makes him anxious. A psychologist has worked with the school and Harley's parents to develop strategies that support his positive interaction with peers.
Harley experiences constant hunger and is overweight, a symptom of Prader-Willi syndrome. This means that he needs close supervision during school hours, particularly at recess and lunch, so that he does not overeat.