How Felix Reignited His Confidence And Passion For Learning

When 16-year-old Felix from Cooma, New South Wales, struggled in the mainstream school system, his parents, Justine and Peter, realised they needed to explore alternative options.

Felix, diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Level 1, was facing significant challenges that impacted his learning, mental health, and overall wellbeing. His struggles in the traditional classroom setting were taking a toll, and his grades began slipping.

"Felix's difficulties were affecting his learning," says Justine. "The social pressures of mainstream schooling were overwhelming him, and his mental health suffered as a result. We knew he needed a different environment, one where he could feel supported, be himself, and work towards his goals."

Justine and Peter were looking for the right school for their autistic son, somewhere that had comprehensive support for children with autism, and were understanding of students who are neurodivergent. That's when they discovered CGA.

Discovering A Supportive School For Children With Autism

Felix's parents were sceptical whether CGA was the right school for their autistic son at first.

Peter had concerns about the idea of an online education, concerned it might lead to isolation and a lack of social interaction.

"It was a completely foreign concept to me," Peter admits. "I worried about Felix missing out on social opportunities and losing those vital face-to-face interactions with peers."

Despite Peter’s initial reservations, the family worked together with our academic advisors to create a plan that would address their concerns.

They were attracted to CGA’s flexibility and its emphasis on personalised support, which ultimately gave them confidence in their decision.

"CGA's flexibility and commitment to supporting Felix made the decision much easier," says Justine. "From the start, they listened to our concerns and tailored their approach to meet his needs."

A Tailored Approach to Learning

Felix’s transition to CGA was nothing short of transformative. The school’s commitment to meeting his individual needs became evident right away.

Teachers worked closely with Justine and Peter to adapt lesson plans to Felix’s strengths and learning style. Felix, a visual learner, found the online format to be a perfect fit.

"The teachers were incredibly open to communication," Justine explains. "They shared their lesson plans with us in advance and adapted them to suit Felix’s visual learning style, which was invaluable."

This level of cooperation made Felix feel like an integral part of the process. "The teachers were very receptive to our input, and it made us feel like we were working together as a team," Justine adds.

Reigniting Enthusiasm For Learning and Creating Connections

Felix regained his enthusiasm for learning and developed a renewed sense of purpose. He now looks forward to attending classes and has made meaningful connections with peers from all over the world.

"Since joining CGA, Felix’s life has changed dramatically," says Justine. "He’s much happier, he’s excited about learning again, and he has developed close friendships. He’s matured significantly and feels more confident in himself."

One of the aspects Felix values most is the personalised and empathetic approach of CGA.

"What I probably like most about it is the convenience and how understanding the school is of every student’s individual needs," Felix says. "The teachers are really empathetic, and it makes a big difference."

Felix also appreciates the opportunity to engage with students from diverse backgrounds, which has helped him expand his worldview. "It’s cool that we’re all from different places—like, I have classmates from Australia, Jordan, and other parts of the world," Felix explains. "It’s helped me think more critically and appreciate different perspectives. It’s really broadened my understanding of the world."

Building Confidence and Social Skills

Beyond academics, Felix has also found new ways to build his confidence and social skills.

With Justine and Peter’s encouragement, Felix began working part-time, which provided him with a sense of direction and the opportunity to develop practical skills.

"He’s finally got a clear direction for his future," Justine says. "Before CGA, he didn’t have a clear path, but now he’s motivated and working towards his goals. He’s also earning his own money and learning valuable people skills."

For Justine and Peter, enrolling Felix in CGA has been a turning point, not just for Felix but for their entire family. They are deeply grateful for the school’s support and the positive changes they’ve seen in their son.

"The decision to remove the social pressures of mainstream school was an obvious one," Justine reflects. "Peter had some initial concerns about isolation, but we came up with a plan for Felix to work and interact with others. It’s been amazing to see how much he’s grown."

A Journey of Resilience and Growth

Finding the right school for their autistic child, one that would go above and beyond to support his individual learning needs, was not an easy journey.

But Felix's incredible growth and achievements with CGA has made it all worth it. By providing comprehensive support, genuine understanding, and a tailored learning environment for Felix’s special educational needs (SEN), he's been able to regain his passion for learning, develop critical life skills, and find new purpose in his education.

As Justine and Peter look back on their decision, they are filled with gratitude and optimism for Felix’s future.

"CGA has truly supported Felix’s learning journey," Justine concludes. "It’s been so reassuring to see his teachers embrace his unique learning style and offer him the personalised support he needs to thrive."

For families facing similar challenges, CGA provides the best school for children who are neurodivergent, or simply looking for a more inclusive, personalised learning environment.

By meeting each student where they are and helping them unlock their full potential, CGA provides an educational environment where young people like Felix can truly flourish.