There are no easy days for Ipswich youngster Oscar Hoving and his family, only days that are not quite as challenging as others.
Oscar struggles with ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, autism and anxiety.
As his mother Steph explains, the result is a life with no shortage of disruption.
“Oscar is a very loving kid but he just doesn’t see the world around him,” she said.
“We don’t go out much. He is a real home body, if he doesn’t have his iPad nearby he will have a real meltdown.
“His Oppositional Defiant Disorder makes things quite interesting too. You can say the sky is blue and he will argue the point and say ‘no it’s not, it’s green’.”
Oscar’s struggles mean he also has trouble making friends.
What Oscar does love is motorbikes, which is why Ipswich’s Legacy Social Club banded together last month to give him a 10th birthday he will not soon forget.
It was the second year the club has swung in behind Oscar, arranging a ride from Ripley to Florrey Bel Coffee Shed at North Tivoli, which opened especially for the party.
Club member Mick Wats said the birthday ride started last year after a call out for a couple of bikes to do a ride through.
“He loves motorbikes and last year Steph put a call out for a couple of bikes to do a bit of a ride through for his birthday,” Mr Wats said.
“The response to that was massive and we ended up with more than 100 bikes taking part. We gave Oscar his own helmet and a special shirt with birthday wishes.”
This year, about 60 bikes, a few trucks and cars took part in the event which also included traditional birthday fun such as three-legged races, egg and spoon races and of course, birthday cake.
“It was a really good run. Oscar was a bit tired because he had had a big day but he eventually got into it and had a great time,” Mr Wats said.
“All of our members are really community minded and we try to do what we can to give back.”
Ms Hoving said the club’s support meant the world to Oscar and her family.
“It’s just absolutely incredible and he is a very lucky boy to have been given such a great birthday,” she said.
ADHD: The term ADHD is used to describe a neurodevelopmental disorder with a recognised and persistent pattern of behaviour. ADHD begins at birth and in most cases persists to some degree throughout the lifespan. When people think of ADHD they tend to think of overactive, noisy boys who are disruptive in class and won’t sit still. In reality, ADHD affects both sexes and all age groups.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder: Oppositional defiant disorder is a childhood behavioural problem characterised by constant disobedience and hostility. The cause of disruptive behaviour disorders is unknown.
Sensory Processing Disorder: Sensory processing disorder is a condition in which the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses. Children with sensory processing issues can be oversensitive to sights, sounds, textures, flavors, smells and other sensory input.
