Keanu was one of a group of children that received new iPads through Keeley’s Cause, a charity set up to help children with autism.

Keanu’s mother Hope Winters said her son struggled with education and social interaction, but having such an assistance would allow him to get the best out of himself.

“Keanu is home schooled and it will assist greatly in implementing and modifying his work,” Ms Winters said.

“Because his IQ is slightly above what is required at the disability schools, he’s not eligible for those so with this, it makes it possible to modify his work and get him to achieve what he can. 

“What I hope is that it will allow him to get a TAFE certificate or something like that. Giving him education is certainly a main goal.” 

Keeley’s Cause provides iPads for children diagnosed with autism and intellectual disabilities. The cause was established by Ballan teenager Keeley and her mother Sharon.

Co-ordinator Sharon Murphy said the cause had raised enough money to provide 27 iPads for children all around the country in its first six months.

“A lot of the apps are free and particularly for the non-verbal children they are able to download different emoticons and pictures to enable them to talk,” Ms Murphy said.

Keeley’s Cause is hosting a fundraising event at the Ballarat and District Trotting Club on Thursday night. 

Tickets are $35 for adults and $22 for children. Full details are on Facebook.