ASD support group meeting, Dublin 10

Foroige youth club, Douglas

A new Foroige youth club is currently being set up in Douglas from 12-15 year olds with ASD. It's in conjunction with the ASD team at Marian House. An information meeting will be held in Unit 6, Douglas Woolen Mills Industrial Park on Wednesday, February 22nd, at 6.30pm. Organisers are looking for parents who would be willing to volunteer a little of their time to help run the club nights.


All welcome.

Handwriting classes in Clonskeagh

I am planning to start handwriting grinds for children with a learning disability in my own home.

I am happy to discuss with a parent/guardian prior to assessment if a child is ready to commence handwriting practice.

As a general rule if a child has adequate sitting balance (with adequate proximal stability and distal mobility) and they can copy a basic shape (generally a circle is easiest to achieve) they are ready to start. 

There are four levels to my program, the “Write / Right Program “.

Level one is for children who are prewriters and grinds will concentrate on copying basic shapes (square, triangle etc).Level two is for children who are ready to practice capital letters only.

Level three is for children who are ready to practice small letters and joined writing.

Level four is for children who are ready to work on capital and small letters where appropriate .

Each child needs an individual assessment which will take less than an hour.

Grinds are individual generally lasting forty minutes each .If we have three children at the same level group grinds would be considered and group grinds last an hour .

I live in Clonskeagh in Dublin 14 and my available hours are Monday to friday 10 am to 1 pm or Saturday / Sunday afternoons.My room at home is equipped with platform/hammock and monkeybar swing which will be used as a reinforcer where appropriate.

Assessments cost €80 and individual grinds cost €40. Group grinds cost 90 euro for the group .

My mobile number is 0863398659 . Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any further information

About Helen.

I qualified in 1987 and worked for the following fourteen years both in London and Dublin primarily in the areas of stroke rehabilitation ,neurology and community care . I have extensive experience with handwriting practice while I was working in these areas.  I was on a leave of absence from St. Vincents Hospital ,where I had worked as a senior O.T. in Stroke Rehabilitation for many years , when my daughter was diagnosed with autism . I left my job in order get her the help she needed and in order to attend as many courses on autism as possible . Since that time I have attended many courses including the sensory integration level one , the theraputic listening ( Sheila Frick ) courses , biomedical intervention course and many other courses on applied behavior intervention .  I have treated children over the years on an adhoc basis but I would like to now offer a service which combines my personal knowledge of autism and my many years of experience in the areas of physical rehabilitation .  On a personal note when my own daughter learned how to write it opened up for her a whole new world and helped so much with her verbal communion , her reading ability and her connection to the world . 


Irish Autism Action, as a national information service for families affected by autism, is circulating this item for information purposes only.  Any follow up action by anybody in relation to this circulated information is entirely their own decision and they should not infer from our issue of the information that the content is being endorsed by Irish Autism Action.

Kilcock Celtic Football for All

Kilcock Celtic FFA Club programme is starting up again. 

Who is welcome: all children from 6 – 14 no matter what their ability

Where: Scoil Ui Riada, An Bhánog (Bawnogues), Kilcock, Co. Kildare.

When: Every second Saturday beginning Saturday 21^st January

Time: 11.30 to 12.30

Contact: Ray Dully 083 3351290

Ama-zone: for children with ASD at the National Concert Hall

National Concert Hall takes part in the 'Light it up blue' campaign

for World Autism Awareness Day 2011

Greetings from The National Concert Hall!

My name is Renaud and I work in the Education Department.

On Saturday 21 January we are hosting a special event called Ama-Zone: for Children with Autistic Spectrum Conditions. This is a multi-sensory installation specially created by sound artist Slavek Kwi. There will be three sessions of this event, at 10:30am, 11:45am and 1:30pm.

This event has already been hosted in the National Concert Hall, and the feedback has always been extremely positive, whether it came from the parents or the children.

We hope it may be of interest to you or to your members, and would be grateful if you would help us spread the word.

All the details of the event below, and are also available on our website . I would personally be very happy to provide you with any complementary information that you may need.

Best regards,

Renaud Hutin.

Ama-zone: for Children with Autistic Spectrum Conditions

• John Field Room
• Tickets: €5 (Young Maestros €4)
• 21 January, 2011 | 10:30am, 11:45am and 1:30pm.
•  
• With Slavek Kwi and Learn & Explore musicians
•  

Ama-zone is a multi-sensory installation created by sound artist Slavek Kwi.

Slavek will transform the John Field Room into a magical rainforest, where you can wander freely and explore a variety of sights, feelings and sounds. Follow the sound-journey of a little wooden canoe floating between trees in flooded rainforest, through Slavek’s own recordings from the remote Xixuau Xiparina reserve on Rio Jauaperi, off the Rio Negro in the Brazilian state of Amazonas.

Gentle interludes of classical music will add even more wonder to the experience.

Visitors to Ama-zone are asked to be present for the start of the session, for a brief welcome and introduction, but then may wander in and out as they please.

Book tickets on 01 417 0000 or www.nch.ie. No booking fees.

Why autism awareness is so important.....

A. is a parent in our Facebook group. She shared this story and kindly agreed that I could post it here. Children with autism grow up to be adults with autism. We have a lot of work to do!

"My husband was telling me about going out last night.  He went to a pub to listen to some trad music and this young guy came in (about 18-20) and was dancing quite oddly to the music. The band got annoyed at him and was saying that he was on drugs. My husband could clearly see that the boy had autism and was just enjoying the music in the same manner as our son would, almost like he was stimming. Husband told them that it was okay that he wasn't on drugs but to leave him be as he was harming no one. He also mentioned that it may do more harm to the boy than if they leave him be. NO. They had him thrown out. My husband argued that it was wrong, left and will not return. 


People know autism is out there but wouldn't recognize it if it bit them! My heart went out to that poor boy. It just made us think of what discrimination or ignorance our son will run into in his life."

Workshops on ASD and Bullying.

ASD and bullying - workshops

Download application form here.

One day workshop on Anxiety and Self-esteem in Autism Spectrum conditions.

Addressing the mental health needs of individuals with ASD: Assessment and Intervention

What is Autism?

What is Autism?

Autistic Spectrum Disorder, or autism, is a neuro-developmental disorder that affects the development of the brain in areas of social interaction and communication and is marked by severe difficulties in communicating and forming relationships with people, in developing language and in using abstract concepts. Characteristics include repetitive and limited patterns of behaviour and obsessive resistance to tiny changes in familiar surroundings or routines.  Autism is often referred to as the ‘hidden’ disability because people who are on the autistic spectrum show no significant physical difference to their peers, rather it is their behaviours that mark them out as different.  The 3 main areas of difficulty for people with autism are referred to as the ‘triad of impairments’

·    Social communication
·    Social interaction
·    Social imagination

Although not included in the triad of impairments, there is a fourth area which has been identified as presenting people with autism with significant difficulties and that is the area of sensory processing.  Sensory processing difficulties are indicated by either a hyper or hypo-sensitivity across any or all of the 5 senses.

What is Asperger Syndrome?

Asperger Syndrome (AS) is part of the autistic spectrum and shares some of the same characteristics as autism. Generally people with AS have an IQ within the normal range but may have poor social and communication skills. Common characteristics can be a lack of empathy, little ability to form relationships, one-sided conversations and an intense absorption with a special interest. Sometimes movements can be clumsy and people with AS are oftendescribed as accident prone.

What are the signs that someone may have autistic spectrum disorder?

The first signs of autism usually appear as developmental delays before the age of 3.  Autism is described as a ‘spectrum’ disorder. This means that the symptoms and characteristics of autism can present themselves in a wide variety of combinations and can range from mild to severe. Two children with the same diagnosis can act very differently from one another and have varying skills.

Generally if a child has delayed speech and communication skills, rigid and repetitive routines, difficulty with feeding and toileting and appears to have no concept of danger and/or a very high pain threshold they should be seen by a diagnostic team.  More details can be found on the information sheet Characteristics of autism.

How many people in Ireland have autistic spectrum disorder?

Unfortunately to date there are no statistics for the number of people with autistic spectrum disorder in Ireland.  What we do know is that the numbers of those diagnosed with autism is rising. In a recent briefing the National Autistic Society in the UK confirmed that the condition now affects over half a million people in the UK – that’s 1 in 100¹ and there is no reason to believe that incidence in Ireland is any different. Although it is widely maintained that the increase in incidence can, in part, be attributed to better diagnostic procedures, it is apparent that the condition itself is reaching epidemic proportions worldwide.

What causes autistic spectrum disorder?

Research into autism and genetics has shown autism is genetically pre- determined however research is on-going to determine to what degree environmental ‘triggers’ may be involved in the increase in incidence.  What we do know, in Ireland, is that the number of young children coming into the system each year is significantly greater than in the past and that the demand for services to meet the needs of this special population will continue to grow.

Is there are cure for autistic spectrum disorder?

Autism is a life-long condition and there are no ‘cures’.  However, there are many interventions which can help people with autism develop skills.  Typically speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and educational interventions have helped many people with autism develop their potential.

Can people with autistic spectrum disorder go on to live full and independent lives?

Some people with autistic spectrum disorder, typically those at the milder end of the spectrum or with asperger syndrome will be able to go to 3rd level education or have jobs and live independent lives.  Others need help to do this and options such as supported living or employment are needed.  Others on the spectrum will always need to have full time support but with trained helpers and quality interventions can live a full life.


Characteristics of autism


It is important to understand that no single behaviour is indicative of autism, nor will a child show all the behaviours listed. The significant factor is a pattern of behaviours. Some of the behaviours may be intense whilst others are relatively mild. Some of the behaviours that indicate autism are seen at specific times in a typically developing child. The significant difference in autism is the intensity of the behaviour and the persistence of the behaviour beyond the normal developmental time - frame.


Language/Communication
·    Has flat or limited facial expressions
·    Does not use gestures
·    Rarely initiates conversation
·    Fails to imitate actions or sounds
·    May have little or no speech or may be quite verbal
·    Repeats or echoes words and/or phrases
·    Uses unusual intonation or rhythm
·    Seems not to understand word meanings or understand implied meaning but uses words literally

Social Interaction
·    Spends time alone rather than with others
·    Less responsive to social cues such as eye contact or smiles
·    Seeks social contact in unusual ways
·    Uses an adults hand as a tool

Play
·    Lack of spontaneous or imaginative play
·    Does not imitate others actions
·    Is very attached to certain toys or objects and plays with them in an unusual way
·    Does not play turn-taking games
·    Play is repetitive

Behaviour
·    Is upset by and resists change to routines or environment
·    Drifts aimlessly
·    Exhibits strong and inflexible interests
·    Throws tantrums for no apparent reason
·    May he over/hyperactive or passive

Sensory Impairment
·    Sometimes appears deaf
·    Exhibits panic or pain related to specific sounds
·    Plays with light and reflection
·    Flicks fingers before eyes
·    Pulls away when touched
·    Strongly avoids certain smells, foods, clothes etc
·    Is attracted to certain patterns/textures/odours.
·    May spin, whirl, bang head or torso, bite wrist or hand, bounces or jumps, climbs
·    Exhibits unusual or non response to pain, heat or cold
·    Toileting problems


What can I do if I am concerned about a child?

Many of the above behaviours can be displayed by typically developing children at certain points in their development and the fact that a child may display some of these behaviours does not mean that they have autism.   However, if you have concerns you can arrange for an assessment for your child.  Autism can only be diagnosed by a trained diagnostic team usually comprising a Psychologist or Psychiatrist, a Speech and Language Therapist and an Occupational Therapist, using internationally recognised diagnostic tools.

For more information visit our website www.autismireland.ie

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/irishautism

Irish Autism Action, 41 Newlands, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath
Phone: 044 93 31609     Fax: 044 93 31609     E-mail: kevin@autismireland.ie     Web: www.autismireland.ie
Patron: Keith Duffy, People of the Year Awards, 2008 Winner