Max Watsford is a vibrant 21-year-old who brings energy, humour, and warmth to every day. He lives with Level 3 Autism and Intellectual Impairment, and while he is non-speaking and experiences complex behaviours, Max communicates in his own way, with honesty, joy, and a strong sense of what he likes.
Max’s journey hasn’t always been easy, and for a time the future felt uncertain. But with the right supports and opportunities, Max is now living a life filled with independence, choice, and connection.
Max thrives on routine, familiarity, and being included. He finds happiness in the simple but meaningful things – watching Thomas the Tank Engine and Fireman Sam, scrolling through YouTube on his phone, dancing to music with his headphones on, and enjoying the rhythm of a day spent in motion. He loves being outdoors whether it’s swinging at the park, bouncing at Springloaded, going for walks among the trees, or swimming. Rainy days often mean a peaceful drive – fish and chips by the foreshore is always a highlight. Max is also an adventurous eater who enjoys trying new places to eat.
For many years, Max lived at home with his parents, who cared for him around the clock while juggling full-time work.
His mother, Christine, recalls, “Life for us, as parents and carers… was difficult at times. We both worked full time and Max requires support 24/7, so there was not a lot of flexibility.”
Although the family was close, it became clear as Max approached adulthood that he was ready for more independence. A brief trial sharing with another tenant wasn’t the right fit, but everything changed when Max moved into his own Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) home a year ago.
His home, located in a quiet, bushland setting, is designed to meet his sensory and support needs. Max receives 2:1 support during the day and 1:1 overnight, and is now learning everyday skills like cooking, cleaning, and choosing his own clothes and meals. He’s supported by a dedicated team of workers who understand and embrace who Max is, and who celebrate his progress.
Though Max is not always comfortable posing for photos, especially with sensory challenges around clothing, he shines in candid moments, often out on an adventure. These are the glimpses that show how far he’s come: a young man who is confident in his own space and able to express his wants and needs in his own way.
Max’s family hopes for a future where inclusion is the norm and society recognises the unique value people like Max bring to the world.
“Our hopes for Max’s future are bright,” Christine shares. “Inclusion is paramount in today’s society and we hope that every day society’s acceptance and understanding of people living with a disability becomes a world where there is no stigma and Max becomes a valued part of society. He may not give back to society in traditional ways but the way he sees life is something we all could learn from.”
Max’s journey toward independence has been made possible through the thoughtful design of his home and the support of organisations like Home In Place, who manage his tenancy with respect, care, and professionalism.
