Learning

Living  *   Working   *   Learning   *   Building Connections  *  Meeting People
To Be No Different
 
Last spring I started supporting Ciaran who has autism in his local Montessori school.  Like many children with autism, Ciaran did not have good social skills and showed little interest in what other children were doing or in joining them.  Ciaran enjoyed certain activities that did not involve interacting with others.  When Ciaran was encouraged to share with, or join other children he got quite agitated and yet he related well to adults.
 
Over the following few weeks, I tried various approaches to encourage him to spend more time in the company of his peers.  This involved a lot of physical and verbal prompting and gradually I could see that Ciaran was trying.
 
Following the summer break, Ciaran was unable to return to Montessori as there was no place and he was enrolled in local pre-school.  This was a big change for Ciaran with a new environment, new children, new staff and a total new experience which would bring new challenges.
 
It was late October before Ciaran started to settle into his new surroundings and interestingly I felt he was more relaxed in the pre-school environment due to the less structured approach.   I shadowed Ciaran while at pre-school, to avoid him being singled out as different, but I ensured he participated in activities that he enjoyed and this often involved working with other children.  We varied the number of children in the group activities until we found the right size group that still gave Ciaran his own space.
 
Ciaran is very determined when he puts his mind to something.  As his verbal communication was limited, I introduced PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) and over a short period of time he was making great attempts to pronounce new words and express his needs.
 
The biggest bonus for me was to see Ciaran gradually become familiar with other children and to start making friends and is comfortable interacting daily – without my assistance.
 
By the end of the pre-school year there was a huge milestone when Ciaran took a decision and asked his parents if he could ‘go to John’s house’.   Ciaran and his new friend play daily together.  This would not have seemed possible one year ago.  Ciaran has now started football training with his new friend and I have no doubt that there will be many more friendships to be made in the coming months and years.
 
Mum's Day Off
 
Receiving a wedding invitation normally conjures up thoughts of a new outfit, visiting the beauty salon and having a day off.  Not so for me, my immediate thought was how would our daughter Ella, who has autism, cope without Mum for a day.
 
After discussing my anxieties with Ella’s support team, I started working on a ‘social story’.  This involved using pictures and talking to Ella about me being away and what would happen on the day. I felt Ella understood the ‘story’, but obviously had concerns.
 
The day of the wedding arrived and I anxiously went off.  It was late when we returned home and were delighted to hear that Ella thoroughly enjoyed her day and was not upset at all.
 
Ella continues to achieve goals.   She is now toilet trained and can ask for a drink.  It is a dream come true to hear her talk.  Ella is attending mainstream pre-school without any support worker and now enjoys coming shopping with me.
 
We are looking forward to Ella attending her first summer camp and then on to mainstream primary school in September.  I am delighted with the progress that Ella has made.
 
A Sister's Dream
 
Our eldest child Sarah was receiving her First Holy Communion in May and it was important to Sarah, and to us, that we attended the Mass and celebration as a family.
Our concern was around our younger son Michael, who has autism, and how he would cope with the event.
 
After discussion with our support team, a plan was put in place to gradually introduce Michael to church; starting off with visits at quiet times and then attending weekly Mass were there were not many people and building up to attending Sunday Mass.  Michael’s support worker accompanied us through this journey.
 
The First Holy Communion day arrived and Sarah was so happy that her whole family was with her for her special day – just like all her friends!  Michael coped very well, needing only a short break during the party but quickly rejoining the group. 
 
Michael continues to make great progress and is now toilet trained.
 
Shopping has become less stressful and he is enjoying playing in the park and even going to get his hair cut.  Michael is trying very hard to talk and it is wonderful to see him starting to take an interest in playing with other children. 
 
 

Parent/Toddler Group


Members of the Early Childhood Team, in conjunction with parents, have been facilitating a parent/toddler group which takes place on a monthly basis.
One aim of the group is to allow parents the opportunity to get together on a regular basis, to share information and experiences, and support one another over a cup of tea and the odd biscuit!
The group provides the children with a chance to develop their social skills, and in turn they have made great friends with each other.
An essential aspect of the group is the development of individual milestones for each child - this requires lots of play and lots of fun!
This particular group of children will be moving on to start their individual preschools in September but we have made plans to continue to meet up as a group on a 3-monthly basis to keep in touch. Moving on to preschool is a big occasion in the lives of families with young children, and we wish them continued success on their journey.
Willie's Story

Over the years, Willie saved a portion of his wages and it had accumulated nicely in his savings account.
Willie is a Manchester United fan and he wanted to access their website, to keep up to date with all that was going on with the Red Devils, so he decided he wanted to buy a computer. Willie's named staff rang the IT Department for advice, and they met with Willie to find out exactly what he wanted to do with the computer, where it would be located and who would use it.
The computer was ordered at a discount through our regular supplier and our IT Technician set it up for Willie and gave him training in its use. Willie can now access the Internet for himself and others, play DVDs on his computer and, hopefully in time, Willie will be able to send email messages to his family and friends.
Willie is an example to us in the Association of how technology can capture the imagination of all, and how it can assist in giving a voice to those who are not always heard.
Another personal goal that Willie achieved was visiting Old Trafford to watch his team, Manchester United, in action. Staff helped Willie to organise a ticket for the match and assisted with planning the trip over to Manchester. Willie is also the proud owner of a letter from Alex Ferguson, along with some Manchester United souvenirs, including an autographed photo of the team!

 For further details of how we support people in this way please see our Services & Supports section