Stephanie Ivanovski said her children Caitlin, nine, and Nathan, three, both enjoyed the Shell Cove program run by KidzWish and funded by Oak Flats and Shellharbour Community Bank Branches.

‘‘It is great for their creativity – playing instruments as well as through dance.

‘‘It is also good for their social skills and their language. They get to interact with other kids of all ages. ‘‘Those social skills are what children with autism lack.’’ 

 Ms Ivanovski said she was delighted to see her daughter interact positively recently with a little girl at her school, a breakthrough she attributed to the KidzWish program.

‘‘It was a major step forward for Caitlin. It was very good to see.’’

 The program provides an opportunity to Illawarra children who are sick, disadvantaged or have a disability to enjoy the love and laughter that comes with music, instruments and dancing.

KidzWish marketing manager Karouna Micheal said in the past 12 months, 491 children have benefited from a KidzWish program (five programs in total) and 134 different conditions have been supported.

He said 20 children received some 600 recreational respite hours via its music and dance program in the past year.               

“Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the most common condition that KidzWish supports. 

“Programs like our music and dance program at KidzWish Place enables children like Caitlin to enjoy music, singing, dance and craft.

‘‘Other vital programs run out of KidzWish Place include speech therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, an appeals program and the KidzSpeak mobile speech therapy program. 

‘‘The sports academy is run at Shellharbour Sports Stadium.”