How IELTS special requirements helped Sandra open doors to new opportunities in Australia

Moving to a new country comes with challenges, but the right support can make all the difference.

As a certified Swedish speech pathologist and proudly neurodivergent – with both ADHD and autism – Sandra’s journey was unique. IELTS special arrangements played a crucial role in helping her achieve her dream life in Australia.

From securing permanent residency to launching her own business, her story is a testament to the power of support and determination. Read on to hear her story.

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Sandra Barbalace moved from Sweden to Australia three years ago with her partner and their 1-year-old son, Leon. For her, Australia has always been the "Country of Dreams," a place where she could chase new opportunities and start fresh.

She instantly fell in love with Australia’s beautiful weather and breathtaking nature. Whether hiking in the mountains or relaxing by the beach, she enjoys spending time outdoors. Beyond the scenery, she cherishes the diverse community and the opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life.

Snippets of Sandra's life in Australia

Since making the big move, Sandra has reached several important milestones:

• Successfully migrated with her family and secured permanent residency

• Started her own business, supporting neurodivergent individuals

• Gained confidence in English, overcoming language barriers

Reflecting on her journey, Sandra feels proud of her personal and professional growth. She has gained a better perspective of the world, in ways she never imagined.

Sandra took the IELTS test as part of her permanent residency application. As a neurodivergent individual, having access to special accommodations was crucial for her success.

IELTS gave Sandra the support she needed, helping her achieve the required scores on her first try. With the special arrangements, she gained the confidence to pursue her career goals and connect with others in a new country.

One of the reasons Sandra chose IELTS was its special accommodations at no extra cost. When she contacted IELTS, she received a great response that reassured her she could succeed. She took her test in IELTS Brisbane, where she was provided with:

• A private test room

• A support person

• Extra time

• Permission to bring her medication

• Breaks when needed

These accommodations allowed Sandra to focus solely on the test without additional stress. Reflecting on the experience, she said:

Learn more about IELTS special accommodations

One of the aspects Sandra appreciated most about the IELTS test was the face-to-face Speaking section. Unlike automated tests, IELTS offers a real conversation with a human examiner, making the experience more natural and engaging. There was no need for scripts or pre-prepared answers, as the interaction felt like a casual chat. Additionally, Sandra found it relaxing not to be in front of a screen.

Reflecting on the interaction, Sandra shared:

Before taking IELTS, Sandra wasn’t particularly fond of the English language. The thought of sitting for an exam years after being away from school was scary. However, thanks to IELTS and its supportive test environment, she achieved great results. She now speaks English daily at work and has reached near-native fluency, allowing her to believe in herself and pursue new opportunities.

Sandra set up her own business, Total Communication, offering information and support services through her Swedish-based business, TotalCommunication.se. Her mission is to help people connect and communicate better, especially neurodivergent kids, teens, and adults.

Her strong test results also boosted her confidence, allowing her to start sharing her professional knowledge through social media. As a result, she has reached a wider audience than she ever imagined, including multilingual families connected to both Sweden and Australia.

One of her key goals is to support neurodivergent individuals from all backgrounds. She’s passionate about creating a space where people can be themselves and receive the support they need to navigate everyday conversations.

Although running her own business can be daunting, Sandra is determined to carve her path and keep moving forward, knowing that the work she’s doing will make a real difference in others' lives.

Like Sandra, millions of other test takers have transformed their dreams into reality with IELTS.

If you are looking to take the IELTS test and require special requirements, IELTS test venues nationwide are ready to support you. Access arrangements that are available if you:

• have learning difficulties

• have a long-term illness or physical condition (e.g. diabetes)

• have a speech impediment

• have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

• are neurodivergent

• are feeding an infant

• are vision impaired

Discover why more people succeed with IELTS.