Malachi Drew, a 12-year-old student with autism, attended school camp for the first time—an experience made possible through his determination and the support of his whānau, teachers, and peers. His journey is a powerful example of inclusion and growth.

Our Son’s Goals: A Parent’s Perspective of Inclusion and Support

By Paul & Lara Drew

Like any parent that has a child diagnosed with autism, the initial fear and uncertainty is overwhelming. 

Malachi was diagnosed at 2.5 years old and given how highly Malachi presented with autism, our family was told that he may never talk. Early intervention therapy served as a solid foundation to help Malachi cope in the world, and our family strived to transfer the learnings from therapy into his everyday life. 

Malachi attended Special Education schools as a primary school student and received awesome support. We then decided to mainstream Malachi as he began his intermediate school years. The classroom teachers, and specialist team in Te Toka Āhuru at Pāpāmoa College, have worked with Malachi to continue to achieve his goals. 

We attribute Malachi’s ability to now express his needs not only to the dedication of his teachers, therapists, and our family, but most importantly, to his own determination and drive to reach his goals.

School camp was something that Malachi wanted to experience, just as his classmates get the opportunity to do. Seeing the empathy that Malachi’s classmates have for him and how they help him, is special and heartwarming. Even though Malachi may battle to articulate his appreciation, the care that his classmates show is very much appreciated even though he may express this in his own special way. 

Malachi has goals like any other child. The approach to achieve these goals may be different and more detailed, but his determination to achieve these goals, with the support of those around him, will help him to live a fulfilled life.

Lakes Ranch School Camp 2025

By Malachi Drew (12 years old)

We went to Lakes Ranch and the cabin sleeps was cool

I went to kayak and paddle boarding. It was fun

I do raft building with my friends

I been so much time in the pool. It was fun

I went in the hot pool with friends, it was so nice but I didn't have drama

I was at the barn and I played on trampoline

I played ball with my dad and I was making flowers, it's so nice

And playing archery

I was watching the movie at camp

I was sleeping at the cabin, it looks so nice but I have a nightlight on with daddy 

The wall is so dark and it’s black and it wasn't scary

I was at dinner, breakfast, lunch at the diner, eating marmite on toast

I was on the swings at the pool

I was on the mud run with my friends and it was too cold

I was getting in the pool and the hot pool is steamy 

We can't go yet

I was on the rope and it was fun 

We’re saying goodbye to school camp

We’re heading to the bus and we’re seeing mommy

We’re back home and we’re chillin’

The End