Ms Anna Budayova:

I will have to correct Ms Duffy. Unfortunately, Esther had several choking incidents. Up to that, no one was listening to me but when I contacted top management of the early intervention services, having sent several emails, I was able to avail of one visit from an occupational therapist and a speech therapist. They should help me. I never mentioned in my earlier statement but, because Esther was nasogastric tube-fed for nearly six months, she never developed muscles in her throat or those needed to chew properly so she was not able to eat. That led me to a situation where I was desperate. I was begging everyone because my child was choking. At this point, Esther was assessed by someone. She had a proper sitting. Again, it is a long story so I will not go into detail but I was put in a situation where my child nearly died. Only at that point was I able to get this treatment. What was available through the public system was not enough and I had to go to a private speech and language therapist, who is helping Esther to properly develop her muscles rather than just observing how she is eating.