Oliver rolls towards a brighter future

Thanks to Satan’s Little Helper, Oliver – who lives with autism, dyspraxia and low muscle tone – has his own EzyRoller, giving him confidence, a newfound sense of calm, and a whole new way to play.

When Oliver received his EzyRoller from Satan's Little Helper, he could barely contain his excitement.

“He didn’t know what to do,” says his mum, Kate. “He was so excited; all he wanted to do was get straight down the park.”

For nine-year-old Oliver, simple physical activities that most children take for granted have always been a challenge.

“He only recently learned how to jump with two feet,” says Kate. “He struggles with balance, so things like riding a bike or scooter have never really worked for him.”

With the EzyRoller – a low-riding, foot-powered ride-on – Oliver has found something that works and thrills him.

“He’s absolutely loving it,” Kate says. “It’s helped him play more easily with his sister Bethany, who’s six and he’s just so eager to use it. He wants to go up and down the driveway, bring it to the park, and use the bike track nearby.

“He’s never been that keen to leave the house before, so this has been amazing.”

Finding fun and freedom

Oliver discovered the fun he could have with an EzyRoller on a school holiday programme. The intuitive motion and low centre of gravity make it a safe and accessible way for him to move and explore without fear of falling.

“He finds the movement really soothing,” Kate explains. “Even just going around in circles helps him regulate and feel calm.”

Kate says the new ride has helped build her son’s confidence and physical skills too.

“He started off slow and cautious but now he’s much faster and coordinated. He’s thinking about how to move his body and being more purposeful with it.”

These developments are having a huge impact, building strength and helping Oliver develop greater spatial awareness.

“It’s even helped with social interaction,” says Kate. “He’s joining in with play more, which has always been tricky for him.”

While many kids his age are zipping around on bikes and scooters, Oliver has often felt left behind.

“He’s aware of his limits,” says Kate, “but he’s at that age where he wants to move and explore. The EzyRoller gives him that freedom in a way that works for him.”

Family impact

It’s not just Oliver who benefits – the whole family is feeling the difference.

“As a parent, it means everything,” says Kate. “There’s not a lot of support out there for kids with developmental coordination disorder. His paediatrician told us to ‘make do’ – that he’d never have a physical job – but we’re not willing to accept that. We’re always looking for ways to help, and this has been such an incredible gift.”

The family is also grateful for the long-term value of the EzyRoller.

“The size is great – it’s meant to last until about age 14.” Kate says. “That’s years of muscle building and exploring.”

Beyond the physical benefits, it’s brought something else to their home – joy.

“When he’s riding it or when Bethany’s on it and he’s chasing her, he’s just so happy,” says Kate. “Seeing him outside, moving, laughing and playing with his sister – it’s honestly been one of the best things we could’ve asked for.”