Qasim Pervase’s spina bifida and Hydrocephalus

Qasim was diagnosed with spina bifida and hydrocephalus when his mother Zabedah was three months pregnant.

We had some time to read up on spina bifida and hydrocephalus, but when he was born our ASBAH adviser helped us apply for all the benefits we were entitled to - she was an absolute tower of strength.

Six years on Qasim is now in Year 1 at a mainstream school. Here too our adviser was indispensable, helping us at the statementing stage to prepare for what the educational psychologist would be looking for. Without a doubt this ensured that he didn't go to a special school instead.

After all, just because he's physically disabled doesn't mean he's mentally disabled too.

Khalid Pervase