Eight-year-old Aiden Floriani doesn’t say much, but the manner in which he’s lifted his family from its darkest moment is nothing short of extraordinary.
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The day before Mother’s Day last year, his father Steven passed away, leaving his mum Tamara paralysed with grief.
“I couldn’t get out of bed. Aiden would come into my room, wipe the tears from my eyes and drag me to my feet,” Tamara said.
Highly intelligent and perceptive, Aiden is mostly non-verbal due to his autism. He instinctively knew he had to be the man of the house to his mum and three sisters, and was quick to rise to the challenge.
“He started doing so much work without being asked. He prunes the trees, pulls out the weeds and looks after the garden. But most of all, he’s so protective towards his sisters,” Tamara said.
Aiden has three sisters – Reanna (10), Natalia (6) and Maleah (5).
If they’re out walking together and one falls behind, it’s Aiden who rushes back to grab her by the hand and bring her back to the group.
“He won’t let me ignite the car engine until all three are safely in the back seat,” Tamara said.
Aiden attends Kalinda School, for students with moderate to severe intellectual and physical disabilities.
There’s currently no specialist school for autistic kids in the area, but this may change with Autism Spectrum Australia (ASPECT) exploring potential to convert the former St Therese Primary School in Yenda to a satellite schools for kids with autism.
“I think that would be fantastic. I’m not sure I would move Aiden because he really loves Kalinda, but there are many parents in the area who would really benefit from a school like that,” Tamara said.
Aiden also has an enormous love for his older sister Reanna. Unlike many boys, he’s not afraid at all to cuddle and show her affection in public.
“Reanna has also stepped up since last year. She makes breakfast for the younger girls,” Tamara said.
Reanna said, “I want to be a mother when I grow up. I enjoy looking after my younger sisters.”