Irish Autism Action

Try mixed ability Judo free in Swords and Kilkenny

2012-02-13T16:39:00.000Z

We just completed our session in Tipperary at the weekend and it was a fantastic success.

We had a higher than usual number of children with Autism sign up for this session mainly due to the interest of a local Autistic support group.

We have two additional sessions planned for March which you may like to add to your site.

Dublin: 3rd March, Applewood Community Centre, Swords, Dublin, kindly supported by the Fingal Sports Partnership.

Kilkenny: 24th March, Kilkenny Judo Club, Kilkenny, kindly supported by the Kilkenny Sports Partnership.

To book your FREE place please contact James on 086 061 2544 or contact your local Sports Partnership

The benefits of iPads for children with autism.

2012-02-10T12:30:00.000Z

Email geraldineP@BPI.ie or jen@autismireland.ie for more information.

Details of the gifts available can be found here.

Thank you to BPI Telecom for facilitating this scheme.

SN Social Club, Dublin 15

2012-02-09T22:03:00.000Z

Hope Autism Care Centre is delighted to announce the launch of their Social Club on the 20^th of February. It will be a place for children with special needs to come and learn new skills and play games in a relaxed environment.

Some of the things planned for the first term are basketball, football, an obstacle course, a sleepover experience day and arts and crafts. Also for the first term, we will be introducing road safety and a choice of an optional five week first aid class.

It will run every Tuesday (15:30 – 17:30). Each class will be an hour long.

The first aid will incur a minimal extra cost.

We will also have a weekly group for the siblings of children with special needs.

Parents meetings will be held once a month and guest speakers include young adults with special needs living independently.

The club will run according to the school calendar with some day trips planned for the Easter holidays and July (which will incur an extra cost) It will be supported by a team of experienced volunteers and is open to boys and girls and all levels of ability are welcome from the age of three up.

We also have the support of the community Garda and Firemen and are working closely with the Dublin VEC (vocational educational committee). We will also be working with the Blanchardstown Centre for Independent living.

There will be a membership fee for this Social Club of €50 for 6 weeks (this is subject to change). The membership if you wish to have a child in the social club and sibling group will be €80.

If you would like to find out more please call 0857321620 or email Dublin15sc@gmail.com for an application form.

Sarah

Dublin 15 Social Club Co-ordinator

Never-ending Stories - childrens' stories in audio

2012-02-08T12:30:00.000Z

Lesley:

I have successfully written and recorded a number of children’s stories in audio format. However recently. I am a qualified teacher. I have cerebral palsy which limits my scope and in a sense I want to pass the stories on to let others know of their existence.

The stories are about 20 minutes long with a comprehension section and the end of each story. Children are bombarded with visual imagery and often forget how to think for themselves. The stories are aimed at improving vocabulary, building imagination and enhancing comprehension.

It can be used as a classroom tool as well as for individual use. The stories have been purchased by speech and occupational therapists and schools. Listening forms an integral part of reading and these stories allow children to listen and play at the same time.

In some of the stories there are activities that can be done with the parent and form an extension of the story itself and also help the child draw from their own experience. Developing a love for books and stories allows children to share with others and explore their emotions safely. Sometimes being able to identify within a character makes it easier to cope with their situations in their own lives.

I strongly believe in the stories and I feel that they could be beneficial to all learners. I have had several families with autistic children purchase the CDs. I have had positive feedback from both occupational and speech therapists who have evaluated the CD s.

I would like in my small way to make a contribution and pass my work on. The stories have been used The Read organisation in the U.K and the Starship Foundation in New Zealand. I have also contributed my work to the Tape Aids for the blind here in South Africa. How would I go about advertising on your site? Or perhaps mention the stories in a newsletter? I have a Facebook page that perhaps I can share on your wall? I am more than aware how important it is for children with cerebral palsy to be made aware that they are able to succeed in life. One of the stories is on a website; www.storybookonline.net. here is the link with the audio and printed version.http://www.storybookonline.net/article.aspx?Article=HarriettheHippo

You can read a bit more about me on www.teacher.org.za here is the link

Irish artist chosen for UN WAAD stamp

2012-02-07T13:30:00.000Z

Colm Isherwood, age 25, lives in Cork. He was one of 8 people worldwide chosen to have artwork featured on a United Nations Postal Administration stamp. The stamps will be issued on April 2nd 2012 to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day.

Photo: Cork Independent.

PECS training courses 2012 Ireland

2012-02-06T13:30:00.000Z

Galway 3^rd & 4^th May 2012

Portlaoise 24^th & 25^th September 2012

Cork 8^th & 9^th November 2012

Dublin 19^th & 20^th November 2012

Workshop runs from 9am to 4pm

(Registration starts at 8.30am)

http://www.pecsevents.co.uk/workshoplist.php?id=26

Why schools want a Mobile Education Pack…..

2012-02-03T14:30:00.000Z

As part of our mobile phone recycling campaign we are providing Mobile Education Packs to schools.

MOBILE EDUCATION PACK contents:

Apple iPad
LED Projector
Loud Speaker
Protection Case
Stylus Pen
iTunes Voucher
Screen Overlay
'Woohoo' Certificate

With these packs a teacher can use the iPad, hook it up to the speaker and projector and all the students can benefit from interacting with the device. It is giving Teachers an extra tool to engage children in an interactive learning environment. All of this for 250 phones!

Also, the 97 schools that have gotten one of these packs are also entered into a draw 'Win a resource teacher for a year' which will take place next September. Any school that submits 50 phones is automatically entered into this draw as a bonus to getting their gift item.

There is more information available on both the 'Family Gifts' and 'School Gifts' available on our new website dedicated to the mobile phone campaign, www.autismirelandphones.ie.

i.C.A.R.E. 'Take me out' event

2012-02-03T12:30:00.000Z

Inishowen Children’s Autism Related Education (i.C.A.R.E.) will host Inishowen’s very own version of the hit reality dating game show ‘Take Me Out’ Party & Disco on Saturday 11th February 2012 in the Plaza Buncrana Doors open at 11pm.

Tickets €10 are now on sale from The Generals Buncrana, Macs Newsagents,Elaines An Siopa Gruaige, Simpsons Supermarket Carndonagh, The Cosy Cottage Moville.

We hope to see you and friends, family, work colleagues, aunties, uncles and neighbours all down here enjoying what is deemed to be a fabulous event!

Sensory friendly haircut club, Malahide, Feb 8th

2012-02-02T15:17:00.000Z

Sharkey’s cuts for kids will be running the next haircut party afternoon on Wednesday 8^th February 2012 from 3:30 to 5pm. This is an event which is organised approx once every 6 weeks for children who have sensory problems and who find a haircut overwhelming and stressful.

The salon will be closed to the public and they make sure noise is kept to a minimum. The salon is bright and airy with a large fish tank, and also a playstation and a WII set up at the hair cut seats to distract and calm the kids. Children are also encouraged to bring along a favourite game, toy, movie or DS themselves. Children can chill out upstairs in a quiet room where there will be a movie on and pizza available.

Please feel free to call out to John at the salon and let the kids have a familiarisation in advance if you think it will help. Cost will be € 14. The staff are very understanding, patient have a genuine interest in providing a much needed service for our sensory kids.

If you are interested in your child being involved in this session , please contact Linda Fleming ( Jigsaw Dublin 7 – 11 support and social group ) at 087 6694802 or Linny@iol.ie . Numbers are limited to 10 children so please contact her in advance to reserve a place.

Keith Duffy launches Race 2 Glory 2012

2012-02-02T12:30:00.000Z

On Saturday 28^th January 2012,40 Race2Glory 2012 was launched in association with Irish Autism Action (IAA). Keith Duffy, patron for Irish Autism Action launched the 40 Kilometre Adventure Race, which will return to Kiltimagh, Co Mayo for the second year running on 14^thJuly 2012.

Keith was highly enthusiastic to lend his support to Race2Glory and if work commitments allow, he plans on competing in this year race. Keith sees Race2Glory as the perfect test to see how his training regime for this year Galway Iron Man is coming together.

As well as the team challenge this year, Race2Glory has also offered the adventure race as a platform to raise much needed funds for Irish Autism Action. Commenting on this new addition to the race, Chairman Brendan Mooney said: “Following the huge interest in the race last year we decided to offer the race as a fund raising opportunity for anyone who wanted to raise funds for this worthy cause. We decided to endorse Irish Autism Action (IAA) because of the strong links Kiltimagh has with Irish Autism Action which set up a school in Kiltimagh for children with Autism in 2007. Also we want to encourage everyone to take part in the race and raising money for charity maybe the motivation they need!”

Registration for Race2Glory is now open with a special early bird price of €50 for individuals and €180 for teams of four. To register or to see details of the course log onto the Race2Glory website here If you require any further information please contact them at race2glory@gmail.com.

For further media information please contact:

Brendan Mooney (086-8539849) or Orla Gibney 087-6755276

Oisins headshave by Keith Duffy

2012-02-01T17:09:00.000Z

Oisin is 13 years old.

This is his

'Headshave by Keith Duffy'

before, during and after!

Oisin raised a total of €1454.50.

Well done Oisin.

Thank you Keith.

Hair Raiser Event, Enniscorthy

2012-02-01T12:00:00.000Z

HAIR RAISER EVENT

fashion show ,singing , dancing

and other great entertainment ,

Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford

Mon 13th FEB 2012

organized by Storm Hair Design

Tickets €10

Storm Hair Design:- 0539233066.

Proceeds will help provide Occupational therapy and other essential services to local children with autism.

100 km for €100k for autism

2012-01-31T12:30:00.000Z

Rhode man, Niall Murphy will take on the challenge of a lifetime on April 1 when he plans to run 100km non-stop in aid of Irish Autism Action (IAA) .

Niall, who also works as Fundraiser for the charity, has a son Ryan who has autism, so Niall fully understands the value of providing a quality service to all children with autism.

Runners will be given the opportunity to run 10km of the challenge with Niall on the day. There will be a launch night for the challenge in O’Tooles pub, Rhode, Offaly on Friday Jan 20 at 8pm.

Two well known Irish personalities who have lent their support to the challenge are Keith Duffy and Ray D’Arcy.

If you are interested in taking part, call Niall on 087-2305566.

if you wish to donate to this event, please click here

Understanding and teaching friendship skills workshop 17th Feb

2012-01-30T12:30:00.000Z

Book form here.

Disclosure and increasing self-esteem workshop 18th Feb

2012-01-30T12:00:00.000Z

Book form here.

Fundraising night in Edgeworthstown in aid of MWB Autism Support

2012-01-27T14:12:00.000Z

An autism awareness fundraising night will be held on Saturday 4th February in The Park House Hotel, Edgeworthstown, Co. Longford in aid of MWB Autism Support. It has been organised by local Mayor and owner of The Park House Hotel, Mr Frank Kilbride.

Music by Larry Cunningham, Jane McNamee, Tom Nolan, and Chuck & June and Aishling Rynn & band. There will be traditional music, and plenty of spot prizes etc. The doors will open at 8pm and the show will start at 9pm. Tickets cost €10.

All proceeds will go to MWB (midlands/west/borders) Autism Support, the local autism group in Longford.

Contact : Ann O' Leary (chairperson) 086 0898489 or email annoleary@ymail.com for information.

http://mwbautism.com/

Try Mixed Ability Judo for FREE in Tipperary and Cavan

2012-01-26T20:16:00.000Z

Judo Assist Ireland run mixed ability judo classes and will be running FREE Come & Try Sessions in February in Tipperary and Cavan.

To book your FREE place please contact James on 086 061 2544 or contact your local Sports Partnership

Tipperary

Saturday 4th February 2012
GAA Complex, Gortlandroe, Nenagh, Co Tipperary

Cavan

Saturday 18th February 2012
Ballyhaise Community Centre, Cavan

Upcoming course - Reaching Out: The Body Senses, Language & Social Interaction Connection

2012-01-25T19:54:00.000Z

Irish Autism Action as a national information service for families affected by autism are 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.

Do you want to study in Trinity College?

2012-01-24T19:37:00.000Z

Disability Service advice clinic for students, parents and practitioners

Friday 27th January 2012, 6.30pm

Room 3074, Arts Building, Trinity College Dublin

Call 01 8963111 / disab@tcd.ie to book a place for this event

TheDisability Service in TCD would like to draw your attention to awebsite for secondary school students with disabilities:

www.tcd.ie/pathways-to-trinity

IrishAutism Action as a national information service for families affected by autismare circulating this item for information purposes only. Any follow upaction by anybody in relation to this circulated information is entirely theirown decision and they should not infer from our issue of the information thatthe content is being endorsed by Irish Autism Action.

Autism friendly cinema screenings

2012-01-23T19:02:00.000Z

Odeon/UCI/STORM cinemas now have Autism Friendly Screenings.

The basic mechanics are as follows:

1. The sound is reduced.

2. The lighting is set at a higher level.
3. No advertising or trailers.
4. A carer can go free.
5. Pre movie orientation for guests wishing to get familiar with the auditorium along with other measures.

The next two screenings are as follows:

February 19th Sunday - 11.30 am - THE MUPPETS
March 11th Sunday - 11.30am - JOHN CARTER.

There are Storm cinemas in Cavan, Limerick, Portlaoise, Waterford and Naas, UCI cinemas in Blanchardstown, Newbridge, Coolock and Stillorgan, and a new Odeon Cinema will be opening shortly in The Point Village in Dublin.

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.

Handwriting classes in Clonskeagh

2012-01-19T12:30:00.000Z

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.

Irish Autism Action training & workshops

2012-01-18T15:48:00.000Z

We are currently arranging our schedule of training and workshops for the year.

We would appreciate if you could take a minute to fill out the survey.

We want to provide the courses and information that YOU want!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3JHJFFR

Many thanks.

One day conference on self-injury, TCD, March 2nd

2012-01-18T15:35:00.002Z

Everybody Hurts Sometimes...

One Day Conference on Self-Injury

Date: Friday 2^nd March 10:00 – 5:00

Venue: 3074 Arts building Trinity College Dublin

Cost: €55 (including healthy lunch and morning refreshments)

Rationale

Research shows that one in five people may experience self-injury during their life time (UNICEF Ireland, 2011; Gollust et.al., 2008) and that it spans the entire population: young and old, male and female, socially disadvantaged and privileged alike. This conference explores self-injury across the spectrum of contexts, the range of interventions that are helpful and the challenges to them.

Presentations Include

Opening Address
Key Note Presentation: Helping the Self, Not Fixating on the Harm: A Mother and Son’s Experience of Self-Harm, by (names withheld)
Reaching Out - or Not: Why the Statutory Approach to DSH isn't Working, by Chiara Seery, Research Assistant, Student Counselling Services Trinity College Dublin
Self-Injury: Challenges to Therapists – Clinical and Personal, by Karl Tooher, Therapist
Strong and Silent: Men, Masculinity and Self-Injury, by Kay Inckle School of Social Work and Social Policy, Trinity College Dublin
The Impact of Alcohol Use on Self-Harm, by Conor McCafferty, Zest, Derry
Adolescents Speak Out: Needing Someone to Talk to, Someone to Listen 24/7, by Eilis Hayes, School of Nursing and Midwifary, Trinity College Dublin
“It’s a Safe Space”: The Unique Role of Self-Injury Peer-Led Groups, by Melanie Boyce, Research Fellow, Anglia Ruskin University UK

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Conference Booking Slip

To attend the conference please complete this slip and return it with payment to:

Ailish Kenndey, NIID, 4^th Floor, 3 College Green, Trinity College, Dublin 2; Tel: 01 896 3885; Email: AKENNED@tcd.ie

Name: ________________________________________________________________________

Organisation (if applicable): ________________________________________________________

Email: ________________________________________________________________________

Conference fee (includes healthy and vegetarian lunch and morning refreshments): please circle

€55 waged / €45 (student, unwaged, service-user)

Payable by cheque, postal order or bank draft made out to: Trinity Number 1 Account

Signature: _____________________________________________________________________

Fermoy Action Childrens Education

2012-01-17T13:00:00.000Z

Kilcock Celtic Football for All

2012-01-16T15:32:00.003Z

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

The Big Red Bike Ride, June 2012

2012-01-13T11:02:00.000Z

Double click to open in new window and enlarge.

To download a copy of the full brochure click here.

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

2012-01-12T12:30:00.000Z

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.

Research on transitioning from primary to secondary school

2012-01-11T14:43:00.000Z

Dear Parent / Caregiver,

I am looking for some assistance and input from parents / caregivers of adolescents with autism / ASD attending 1^st or 2^nd year of mainstream secondary schools. I am a lecturer in the discipline of Occupational Therapy, Trinity College Dublin, and have just commenced a PhD programme in the Children’s Research Centre TCD with the School of Psychology. I would like to research the experiences of children with autism / ASD transitioning into secondary school in Ireland. I am aware that this is an important, exciting and often challenging time for children / adolescents and their families. As a first step I would like set up some focus groups of parents / caregivers of adolescents with autism / ASD who have already made the transition. I really want to understand the current situation from parent / caregiver perspectives and also begin to gather information about transitions into secondary school in terms of policy and supports. I'm particularly interested in how perhaps children coming from different services / types of schools etc may have different experiences. I would be delighted to hear from you if you would be interested in participating in one of these focus group discussions (at a place and time of convenience). At this stage I am in the processing of gaining ethical approval, so will not be formally commencing the study for a month or two. Please e-mail or contact me (details below) if you think you would like to participate in a focus group discussion or would like more details about the study.

With thanks,

Yours sincerely,

Katie Cremin

Lecturer

Discipline of Occupational Therapy

Trinity Centre for Health Sciences

St James Hospital

Dublin 8

ph: +353 1 8963813

mailto:cremink@tcd.ie

Ph.D. candidate in Child & Youth Research

Children's Research Centre

Trinity College

Dublin 2, Ireland

www.childandyouthresearch.ie

Approaching Adolescence - the development of essential pivotal skills

2012-01-10T13:56:00.000Z

Training Workshop

“Approaching adolescence –

the development of essential pivotal skills"

Presented by Dr. Peter Gerhardt

Saturday 14^th January 2012, 2:00 – 5:00pm

Monkstown Parish Centre, Co. Dublin

Cost: €25.00 per person

This workshop offers a special opportunity to parents and staff who deal with older children and young adults with autism. Places are limited and are available on a first-come basis. Reserve your place by emailing your booking to support@thereddoorschool.com or telephone (01) 633 7532.

Dr. Peter Gerhardt has over 30 years experience utilizing the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis in support of adolescents and adults with ASD in educational, employment, residential, and community-based settings. Currently, Dr. Gerhardt is the Director of Education – Upper School for the McCarton School in New York City. He is the author or co-author of articles and book chapters on the needs of adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder and he has presented nationally and internationally on this topic. In addition, Dr. Gerhardt serves as Chairman of the Scientific Council for the Organization for Autism Research, on the Editorial Board of Behaviour Analysis in Practice, and on numerous professional advisory boards.

Monkstown Parish Centre is beside St. Patrick’s Church, Monkstown, Co. Dublin on Carrickbrennan Road. For directions, click here.

The Red Door is a charity providing services to the autism community. It set up The Red Door School in 2001, and this is now a Special School for children with autism and complex needs. The Red Door also provides training and support to parents through its Parent Support Group. It has hosted International Autism conferences in Dublin in recent years.

For further details, see www.thereddoorschool.com.

Learning Centre for Autistic Children Ltd. t/a The Red Door

Monkstown Grove, Monkstown Avenue, Monkstown, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

Phone: (01) 663 7532 ~ Fax: (01) 663 7498 ~ Email: info@thereddoorschool.com

Company registered in Dublin, No. 350121, Charity Reference CHY 14457

Directors: Martina Boylan, Karen Golden, Adėle McInerney, Dan McInerney, Barry O’Neill, David Quinn

Member of Irish Autism Action, The Wheel, Inclusion Ireland

Handle Approach talks in Co. Leitrim

2012-01-09T13:39:00.001Z

ARE YOU FINDING ANOTHER’S SOCIAL OR ACADEMIC BEHAVIOUR PUZZLING?

Treating Disorders at

Their Roots

A Holistic Approach to NeuroDevelopment

and Learning Efficiency

Venue:

Drumsna

CommunityResource Ctr.

Drumsna,

Co.Leitrim

Date: Friday 13^thJan 2012.

Time: 7.30pm to9pm

OR Sat 14^thJan 2012.

11am to 12.30pm

All are welcome

(nocharge)

Frustrated by your child’s or your students or others behaviours ?

As all behaviours are communications this information evening may help you ‘read’ these behaviours and understand what may be going on for an individual.

The pioneering, award-winning HANDLE® approach has helped families and individuals across the nation and around the world to achieve significant results, like walking, talking, writing, memory and staying attentive…from young infants right through to the elderly. It incorporates many different disciplines and provides families, caregivers, educators and therapists a non-drug solution to seemingly unsolvable and hopeless situations.

The speaker is Rosemarie Mason who is a Certified HANDLE Practitioner and Instructor. Rosemarie is the Mother of 5 individuals with a variety of labels including autism, dyslexia and dyspraxia.

Please text Jean at 087 6177599 or e-mail her at jeanroberts@eircom.net if you are interested in joining this information evening.

Please share this flyer with others.

www.handle.org

Jean Roberts
HANDLE IN IRELAND

Coill an Madra Rua
Carrick on Shannon
Co.Leitrim

Phone: 087 6177599

aspergersadvice.com

2012-01-06T17:53:00.002Z

Adam is a young man who wants to set up a website about Aspergers in Ireland. He is looking for input from all areas of the Asperger community.

"I would like to begin by wishing you all a very Happy New Year and thanking you for taking the time to talk both on the phone and by email over the past number of months. It has been amazing to hear the enthusiasm towards this project, aspergersadvice.com, and to hear about the work each of you do on the ground. I have also found, from listening to your frustrations regards getting support and information, that this website is what is desperately needed to provide accurate information about Aspergers and break down the sense of isolation which is felt by so many touched by the condition.

I really need as much imput, from professionals, parents and family members and those with the condition, in order to make this website the best it can be. For that reason I am inviting you and each member of your group to a focus group which will be a casual and confidential discussion about what you feel is needed and what currently frustrates you. I will then build the website based on this information. The details of the event are as follows:

When: Sunday 29th January @ 1pm

Where: International Bar, Wicklow Street, Dublin

How the day will work:

1pm - 1:45pm - Family members of those with Aspergers

1:45pm - 2:30pm - People with Asperger's Syndrome

2:30 - 3:15pm - Professionals (Teachers, SNAs, Doctors etc.) dealing with Asperger's Syndrome

Please note: Those wishing to attend only need to attend at the relevant group time however as people are travelling from across the country and may like to share experiences with each other on the day their will be a section of the room open for socialising throughout the sessions.

It would be great if you could pass the details on to your group and any other people who may be interested. If you could get back to me not later than Friday 20th January with the number of people attending it would be most appreciated. If anybody has any questions then please do not hesitate to email me on aspergersadvice@gmail.com."

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.

Why autism awareness is so important.....

2012-01-05T12:30:00.000Z

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."

Review of the Speech-EZ® iPad Application “Apraxia Picture Sound Cards APSC Pro”

2012-01-04T17:00:00.000Z

Review of the Speech-EZ® iPad Application “Apraxia Picture Sound Cards APSC Pro”

Marijke Morris, Speech & Language Therapist

The Apraxia Picture Sound Cards APSC Pro was developed by a Speech and Language Pathologist. The app was created for individuals with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) and severe phonological disorders. This version is the professional version, designed for speech and language therapists to create multiple entries for different students.

The pro app costs $299.99 and is mainly designed to support the Speech-EZ® Apraxia Program. It is mentioned in the app description on the app store and the developer’s website that it supports the Program. The parent version costs $179.99. I am reviewing the professional version of the app from a therapist’s point of view. The only difference between the parent and the pro version is that the parent version is for a single user and with the pro you can track multiple students. I am not a certified Speech-EZ® Apraxia Program practitioner, but was informed by the developer that if I purchased the manual, I would be able to use the app in clinical practice.

The target population is quite small, which means this app is not appropriate for frequent use for therapists, unless they have a specialised caseload of CAS and severe phonological disorders only.

The picture flashcards are very clear and colourful. When you press on the picture, the picture flips over to reveal the text. A few children found it reinforcing to look at the text and were motivated to activate the flip themselves. Some children were often more motivated to flip through the pictures, and needed constant supervision to say the target word. It would have been useful to have a recording facility on the app, for children to self-monitor, and for therapists and parents to share feedback.

The therapist cues and elicits the target words and rates it on the app out of 3, using a smile, neutral face or frown symbol. Parents may find it difficult to rate their child’s speech accurately and this needs to be taken into account if the app is used as part of a home programme. If a target word needs to be repeated, it also skews the data of the session, as the rating is only connected to the sound position, not the target word. The data can be stored and emailed to the parents. This was usually very effective in tracking data, but I found that the data was completely incorrect for one of my therapy sessions, so manual back-up data is also recommended for therapy tracking.

Target sounds can be selected for the picture cards on their position in the word, whether final or initial position. Target sounds are not available in the medial position. Tap-to-play audio is also available, but it should be noted that it is in an American accent, not suitable in the UK and Ireland. Some target words are also American vocabulary, for example “pail” instead of “bucket”.

The hand cue cards contain video footage to demonstrate the hand cues and would be useful if you are not using a different set of visual cues in therapy already.

App Summary

Skill(s) Targeted

Target speech sound practice within words

Age/Grade Levels Targeted

Children

How to Activate

Isolated finger point

Type of Device

iPad

Cost

$299.99 (excl. manual)
Manual $95 (required)

Would you recommend this App?

No – the price makes this app poor value for money. There are other cheaper apps that can be easily adapted to serve the same purpose. It would not be suitable in a core vocabulary approach. The target words and audio are American, and not suitable for children outside the US. (This could easily be rectified with localisation, as done by other app developers).

New Year Cinema Event for Children with Special Needs (Dublin City Centre)

2012-01-03T17:17:00.002Z

ABA Ireland invites children with special needs and their families to watch "Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chip-wrecked"

When: Saturday, January 7, 2012 @ 10.30am

Where: Cineworld Dublin – Cineplex, Parnell St, Dublin 1 – Phone: 1520 880 444.

Lifts, escalators and multi-storey car park behind cinema.

Cost: €15 per family of 4, siblings welcome (€3 charge per each person over the 4th).

Extras: Movie in 2D. Own snacks/drinks are allowed. No advertisements or trailers. Low lights & volume.

Please RSVP your name, *contact details and number of people attending via email:

Artika: artika@istepahead.com

OR

Charlotte: cruddenc@gmail.com

Tickets will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.

*Contact details will only be used in conjunction with other up-coming ABA Ireland family events. Please advise to opt out of this.

Please feel free to invite anyone you think would enjoy this event!

Happy Christmas from Irish Autism Action

2011-12-22T14:36:00.000Z

The Irish Autism Action office will reopen on January 3rd.

Charity Weakest Link, Killeens, Rhode, Co Offaly

2011-12-22T14:33:00.002Z

This year for the annual St Brigids GAA fundraising night they have decided to do something different and raise some money for charity. Each contestant will be given the chance to compete in the well known T.V Game Show "Weakest Link" Competition to win a sizable amount of money for their chosen charity, but only one of them can take the jackpot from the bank.

*Celebrity Compare
*Mulled wine & punch reception
*Followed by music and dance
*Light refreshments
*Special Guests
*Another great night of craic and laughter guaranteed
*Admission €10

Tickets Available now at Killeens or from St. Brigids GAA.

Who doesn't realize that questions are supposed to get answers ?

Who is a rusty razor blade ?

Whose depth of knowledge is at the shallow end of the pool ?

Is there a village that needs its idiot back?

Who is the WEAKEST LINK ?

Niall Murphy is taking part in this event on behalf of Irish Autism Action. Brave man!!

NAS Professinal Conference 2012

2011-12-21T17:06:00.001Z

NAS Professional Conference 2012

Working Together for Better Outcomes

When: 28-29 February 2012

Where: Manchester Central Convention Complex, Manchester

Just a reminder that our Professional Conference is getting closer, bookings are flowing in but there are still some places left.

Two-day delegate rate £395 + VAT or one-day delegate rate £245 + VAT

(NAS members £295 + VAT)

Robyn Steward, Specialist Trainer, Mentor & Artist, and also Co-Chair
at Professional Conference 2012 explains why you should attend.

“The great thing about the conference is just like people on the spectrum it is
non prescriptive and you can choose which stream to attend be it adults, clinical
education or supporting families. This will ensure that you get relevant information
and that your attendance is time and money well spent. There are some really
innovative approaches with dinner and breakfast meetings and debates. The
NAS Professional Conference keynotes will fuel you up with new information
and ideas, along with strategies from the other seminars and workshops.”

Read more of Robyn’s conference blog here

To see the full programme and list of speakers at the conference, visit our website.

Mobile Education Pack - Thinking inside the box!

2011-12-16T15:43:00.001Z

I posted this photograph on the Irish Autism Action Facebook page during the week and asked the question "What is it?" Anyone close to the correct answer was entered into a draw and wins a mobile phone.

So, what IS it??

and who WON?

For more information telephone Geraldine on 01 4279790 or email geraldineP@BPI.ie.

Volunteers needed for Winter Wonderland

2011-12-13T18:43:00.000Z

Irish Autism Action are looking for volunteers for WinterWonderland starting 8th December to 8th January 2012 both dates inclusive.

Volunteers are needed to man the chalet (there needs to be 2 there at alltimes) and to sell the raffle tickets.

If you can help outplease contact the office on 044 93 31609

Winter Wonderland is in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. Thefollowing are the time slots and days required:

· 12pm – 5pm Saturday 17th December, Friday30th December, Saturday 1st January, Thursday 5th January.

· 5pm – 10pm Saturday 17th December,Thursday 22nd December, 23rd December, Thursday 29th December, Friday 30thDecember, Saturday 31st December, Sunday 1st January, Thursday 5th January,Saturday 7th January.

· 3pm – 7pm Wednesday 28th December,Wednesday 4th January.

7pm – 10pm Monday 19th December, Tuesday20th December, Wednesday 21st December, Tuesday 27th December, Wednesday 28thDecember, Wednesday 4th January.

RightFit.ie 'likes' IAA and Facebook!

2011-12-13T15:22:00.000Z

RightFit.ie has a Facebook page. For every new 'like' their Facebook page gets between now and Jan 1st they will donate €1 to Irish Autism Action.

About RightFit:

RightFit is Ireland’s premier Sales, Marketing, Media and Digital Selection Agency. We are a niche, specialist agency dedicated to nurturing a professional, consultative and honest relationship with you. We won’t waste your time presenting you roles that are not reflective of your experience, interest, and salary expectations.

A big thank you to RightFit for their support, we really appreciate it.

What an iPad can do for special needs children.

2011-12-10T11:00:00.000Z

Metal music event for IAA, December 10th

2011-12-08T16:34:00.001Z

IAA WELCOME REVIEW ON PROPOSED DISABILITY CUTS

2011-12-07T15:36:00.001Z

Irish Autism Action today welcomed the decision announced this morning by An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD, that the proposed cuts to the disability allowance for people aged 18 – 24 has been ''paused'' pending a review by the chairperson of the Commission on Social Welfare and Taxation.

Irish Autism Action view this as an excellent opportunity to look at how Government propose to fund and support young people with autism in order for them to gain the skills and secure the support they need to find and keep suitable employment, living options and quality of life.

Irish Autism Action will be contacting the Commission to ensure that it and other disability groups are included in a consultative process.

Xtra-vision Kids Gift Pack

2011-12-06T12:54:00.001Z

Xtra-vision have chosen Irish Autism Action as their Charity of Choice for 2011 and 2012.

€1 from each kids pack will be donated to Irish Autism Action.

Who won their mortgage paid for a year?

2011-12-04T14:51:00.001Z

Irish Autism Action have been running a recycling mobile phone campaign for quite a while now. It has been hugely successful and we held the draw for the 'win your mortgage paid for a year' competition last night at the IAA 5th Masquerade Ball in the Ritz-Carlton, Powerscourt.

There were 40,000 entries. Initially there were two prizes on offer, the mortgage draw and a family holiday. Given the large number of entries we also added in two iPads to bring the total number of prizes to 4.

WINNERS:

iPad2 - G Lynch, 72 Belcamp Grove, Dublin 17.

iPad2 - Owen Doyle, no address provided but we do have a phone number.

Holiday - Bryan McSweeney, 72 Kent Road, Ballyphehane, Cork.

Mortgage paid for a year - Stephen Murphy, Newbridge.

Stephen has been contacted as Keith Duffy phoned him at 1.40am, immediately after the draw, to share the good news. Stephen didn't answer and Keith left a message. Thankfully Stephen didn't think this was a joke and now knows that he has won this fabulous prize.

Congratulations to all the winners.

Some facts and figures:

The mobile phone recycling campaign has raised €254,000 to date. €184,000 of this has been given directly to familys in the form of technoloy, providing 413 families with an iPad for their child with autism. €70,000 has been given to Irish Autism Action as part of the fundraising agreement.

The campaign will run for another year, with the next 'Win your mortgage paid for a year' draw in December 2012. Keep watching because we have some exciting technology options on the way!

A big thank you to BPI Telecom for this initiative, especially to Geraldine and Brian.

Survey on challenges facing entrepreneurs with disabilities in Ireland

2011-12-02T12:33:00.001Z

Dear Member,

DIT college in association with www.disability.ie are currently researching
and writing a detailed report on the challenges facing entrepreneurs with
disabilities in Ireland.

As part of this study we wish to undertake an online survey of existing or
aspiring entrepreneurs with disabilities but we are concerned that we may
not succeed in getting a large response if the work is seen as being
academically orientated.

I am contacting you to ask if you if you know someone with a disability that
would be interested in helping us with the survey.

We have provided a link on our website www.disability.ie to the survey.

This is the first survey of its kind ever in Ireland and it would be
wonderful if you could be part of it with us.

Fiona Duignan

Policyand Projects Manager

Inclusion Ireland

UnitC 2, The Steelworks

Foley Street

Dublin 1

Tel: 01-8559891

Fax: 01-8559904

fiona@inclusionireland.ie

www.inclusionireland.ie

Results of Vegas draw

2011-12-01T17:00:00.000Z

Results of Vegas Draw are as follows

Trip to Vegas winner: Ann Quinlan, Bagnelstown, Carlow

Trip to Paris winner: Nicola Waters 28 Elscir Island Tullamore, Co Offaly.

Trip to Ritz Carlton winner: Sharon Hickey 15 Woodlands Avenue, Mullingar, County Westmeath.

Sensory friendly hair cut club, Malahide, Dec 14th

2011-11-30T12:30:00.000Z

The Hair Cut Club will be running its nextsession

at Sharkeys Cuts for Kids in Malahide

on Wednesday 14th December 2011,

3:30pm to 5:30pm.

Due to phenomenal success Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids, Malahide, have agreed to run another haircut party afternoon for children whohave sensory problems and who find a haircut overwhelming and stressful. The salon will be closed to the public and they will make sure noise is kept toa minimum.

The salon is bright and airy and they have a large fish tank,and playstation and wii set up at the hair cut seats to distract and calm thekids. Children are also free to bring along a favourite game, toy, movie or dsthemselves. Children can also chill out upstairs in a quiet roomwhere there will be a movie on and pizza available.

Please feel free tocall out to John at the salon and let the kids have a familiarisation inadvance if you think it will help. Cost will be € 14. They genuinely have an interest in providing a much needed service for our sensory children and previous sessions have been very successful.

If you are interested in your child beinginvolved in the afternoon Hair Cut Club, please contact Linda Fleming at 0876694802 or Linny@iol.ie .

Numbers arelimited to 10 children so please let her know asap to register for a place

ACCA Ireland Charity Christmas event

2011-11-29T12:30:00.000Z

ACCA Ireland Charity Christmas event.

Accountants Year End Essential Technical Update is taking place in Bank of Ireland, House of Lords, College Green on 13 December 2011 at 18.00.

The cost of the course is €50 and all funds will be donated to Enable Ireland and Irish Autism Action.

This event is kindly supported by Bank of Ireland.

Please click here for further details.

Autism Information Event, Athlone, December 5th

2011-11-28T12:30:00.000Z

European Day of Disability

PWDI will host

a free autism awareness

information event

The Radisson Hotel
Northgate St, Athlone,
Monday 5th December 2011
10:00AM – 1:00PM

There will be a number of Guest Speakers from Various Autism Centres in Co. Westmeath

Lunch will be provided, RSVP to pwdiwestmeath@gmail.com or Ringing us on (090) 64 70044

iPad for Jack!

2011-11-26T18:59:00.001Z

THANK YOU SO MUCH

I RECEIVED MY I-PAD YESTERDAY

FROM ALL YOUR MOBILE PHONE DONATIONS

AND I MET

KEITH DUFFY

WHO CAME TO MY SCHOOL

CLADDAGH NATIONAL SCHOOL

AND MADE A DONATION FROM HIS IRON MAN RUN

THANK YOU AGAIN

JACK O’CONNOR

More info on recycling mobile phones via Irish Autism Action for iPads.

Autism Conference, February 20th, The Medical Institution, Mount Pleasant, Liverpool

2011-11-24T12:30:00.000Z

This is a chance-in-a-lifetime conference as it brings to the UK, on one of his rare visits, one of the exceptional world experts on autism, Theo Peeters, from Belgium. Educated to Masters' level in both his home country, and in the UK, Theo also spent a year in the USA as an intern with the TEACCH program, returning to Belgium to transform attitudes to autism over the whole of Europe from the 1980s onwards. He is truly one of the great pioneers, and an inspirational speaker. He will present at this conference alongside his colleague Hilde De Clercq, lecturer and author, and the mother of a young man on the autism.

Joining them will be Dr Olga Bogdashina, originally from Russia, who has worked with Theo. She now lives in the UK, and passionately shares, in books and presentations, her awareness of autism’s sensory issues, and of the communication differences we encounter in autism. Like Hilde, she has a son on the autism spectrum.

There is also the chance to hear the renowned Dr Jacqui Jackson, mother of eight children, five of whom are diagnosed with autism or with related cluster conditions. She is an author, consultant to Research Autism, and works closely with the NAS. Two years ago she was awarded her PhD on the sensory aspects of autism.

This promises to be a unique event for those on the spectrum, their parents, and all professionals who may come into contact with people on the autism spectrum. It will provide insights which are too rarely offered by those without personal experience of the condition. Conferences where this exceptional world class level of knowledge and expertise, are shared with an audience, are very few indeed. The conference at York, due to be held at the end of this month, sold out almost 4 weeks before the event.

Prices are from £40 for the day for the unwaged rising to £125 for professionals, and you can book on the site, or send us an email if you’d like an invoice or if you want to make a block booking.

www.autisticintelligence.org

IAA Annual Masquerade Ball, 3rd December

2011-11-22T12:30:00.000Z

IT Letterkenny fundraising for IAA

2011-11-21T12:30:00.000Z

As part of a Learner Development module, 9 students from the LetterkennyInstitute of Technology have organised a charity leg/chest wax and a treadmillmarathon run to raise money for Autism Ireland.

The chaity leg/chest wax will take place in the Swilly Inn, Letterkenny on the24th of November at 8pm.

The group willraise money through sponsor cards, selling wax strips and by going around withsponsor buckets on the night.

Promises to be a great nights craic andthere are spot prizes to be won.

The Swilly Inn has also agreed to dodrink promotions on the night i.e. 3 Euro pints and bottles.

There willalso be live music from the band Super Tease on the night.

The treadmill marathon run will take place in the main building of theLetterkenny Institute of Technology on Monday the 28th of November. throughout the day and group members will be goingaround with sponsorship bucket.

We made the shortlist for Better Together 2011

2011-11-18T15:10:00.001Z

The winner will be announced on December 1st at the D4 Berkley Hotel!

Students from Letterkenny IT organise fundraising events for IAA (with ouch factor!)

2011-11-18T15:07:00.001Z

As part of a Learner Development module, 9 students from the Letterkenny Institute of Technology have organised a charity leg/chest wax and a treadmill marathon run to raise money for Irish Autism Action.

The chaity leg/chest wax will take place in the Swilly Inn, Letterkenny on the 24th of November. The event will commence at 8pm. The group will raise money through sponsor cards, selling wax strips and by going around with sponsor buckets on the night. Promises to be a great night's craic with spot prizes to be won. The Swilly Inn has also agreed to do a drink promotions on the night i.e. €3 pints and bottles. There will also be live music from the band 'Super Tease' on the night.

The treadmill marathon run will take place in the main building of the Letterkenny Institute of Technology on Monday the 28th of November. The event will take place throughout the day. Group members will be going around with sponsorship buckets on the day.

Thanks to Cormac O'Brien and his class mates for organising the events.

IAA picked as charity partner for 7UP Winter Wonderland

2011-11-15T12:20:00.000Z

Pictured is Ireland's most famous chef, Dylan McGrath, who is currently appearing on Ireland's Masterchef series.

Dylan was representing Irish Autism Action at the recent launch of 7UP Winter Wonderland in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham.

The event, which takes place this year from Dec 8th to Jan 8th, has partnered with five charities, Irish Autism Action being one.

With no admission fee, 7UP Winter Wonderland, set in The Royal Hospital Kilmainham, will offer the best Christmas day-out in Ireland, and will be the first event of its kind and scale in the country. This extensive festive showcase will run for five weeks, with free onsite entertainment, Christmas markets, free visits to Santa Claus, and a range of exciting winter attractions for all ages.

It will also feature Ireland‟s largest ice rink, which is indoors and includes a dedicated children‟s rink; a colourful family Christmas Circus, with special Le Cirque evening cabaret circus shows; Santa‟s Christmas Village, an awesome Big Wheel, magical rides, festive attractions and beautiful indoor bars and cafes, including The Spiegel Saloon, providing a fully heated and stunningly beautiful retreat in the heart of Winter Wonderland. With a variety of live acts performing throughout the Christmas season along with chilled beat DJ‟s and local musicians, this antique ballroom is transformed into the perfect festive venue.

For further information, please visit the website here

Celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities

2011-11-14T12:08:00.000Z

The National Institute for IntellectualDisability, in conjunction with the Centre for Disability, Law and Policy NUIG,the Centre for Disability Studies UCD and the Centre for Intellectual andDevelopmental Disabilities at the University of Ulster are pleased to inviteyou to: ‘Celebrating the International Day of Persons withDisabilities’. This half day event will be hosted at the Long RoomHub at Trinity College Dublin on FRIDAY 2^nd December 2011 from2pm-5pm.

The event will explore the intersectionbetween academia, research and disability studies. Dr Anna Lawson,University of Leeds will deliver a Keynote Address on ‘The Ivory Towerand the Real World’. A discussion will follow includingcontributions on a Career in Disability by Professor Patricia Noonan Walsh,Professor Emerita, University College Dublin; Translating Research into Policyby Eithne Fitzgerald, Head of Policy and Public Affairs, National DisabilityAuthority; and a proposal by Professor Gerard Quinn, Centre for Disability, Law& Policy NUIG for the establishment of a Disability Studies Association ofIreland.

The National Institute for Intellectual Disabilityat Trinity College Dublin is delighted to host this event. A promotionalposter and map to the venue are attached. While there is no charge toattend this event, registration is essential by contacting Marie.oconnor@ucd.ie or 01 7168333.

Keith Duffy Masquerade Ball - Saturday 3rd December

2011-11-11T11:11:00.001Z

Irish Autism Action celebrates our 10th anniversary this year. We aim to celebrate in style and the 5th annual ball will be held in The Ritz-Carlton, Powerscourt, Co. Wicklow.

Entertainment on the night will be provided by magician/illusionist KeithBarry and singers Brian Kennedy and Ryan Sheridan. We will also have the Gospel Choir and Cole Page performingthroughout dinner.

Ritz Carlton have kindly provided us with a heavily discountedrate of €139 for B&B for twin and double rooms People attending the Ball need to make their reservations, asthe hotel will ask for a credit card number to hold the booking. The hotel’s number is 01274 8888.(Youneed to mention the Keith Duffy Ball and the discounted rate above). Rooms at this rate are limited so book early!

For those who cannot stay over, we will be providing shuttlebuses from approx 1am onwards, from the Ritz Carlton into the city centre, freeof charge!

We really hope you can make it this year as it’s promises to bea great evening and a great start to the Christmas party season!

Please contact Colette directly if you are interested in taking atable or individual places, colette@autismireland.ie.

Workshops on ASD and Bullying.

2011-11-11T11:09:00.001Z

Books for sale at IAA office

2011-11-09T14:00:00.000Z

A World of Our Own, by Aileen McCallan
A mothers account of how autism challenged her family and changed her life.

Cost: €14.99

No Matter What, by Sandy Howarth
“No Matter What” is different to other books written on the subject as it views Autism from every angle. Her book has been written to help parents, families and carers to cope with Autism while assisting medical staff, education authorities and researchers to gain a true understanding of the condition from a parent’s perspective. Sandy’s book gives a positive approach to dealing with all the issues involved and looks to seeing a happier group of people in the future. Not to be drugged and forgotten but to be helped to achieve their maximum potential. Through “No Matter What” the author hopes that parents will benefit from not just understanding Autism but how to cope with a life changing diagnosis. The book outlines the struggles, the traumas, the guilt and denial but the emphasis is placed on love and hope and through the book Sandy wants to convey the message that “where there is love there is hope”.

Cost: €15

‘A Fiend like Simon’, by Kate Gaynor
Irish publishing house Special Stories Publishing in conjunction with Irish Autism Action has released an exciting and unique new children’s book focusing on young children with Autism/ASD. The book is beautifully illustrated by Irish artist Caitriona Sweeney and is designed to introduce all children, especially those in mainstream school, to a child with ASD. The story begins with Matthew greeting his new classmate Simon on his first day at a new school. When Mathew realises Simon is a little different to his other friends, he’s just not sure if he wants to have ‘a friend like Simon’. However, a school trip to the funfair soon helps to change his mind! This new book will be a very welcome resource for Irish parents and teachers alike as an introduction to Autism/ASD for other young children.

Cost: €8.99

We can accept cheque, postal order, Laser or Visa.

Please call Sarah on 044 9331609 if you are interested in buying one of the books.

Noisy Hours for Special Needs - Letterkenny Library

2011-11-08T13:00:00.000Z

Challenging Behaviour - How to understand and help, Drogheda

2011-11-07T13:03:00.000Z

Whether ittakes the form of aggression, tantrums, self-injury or property destruction,challenging behaviour can be extremely distressing for in both home and schoolsituations. As a parent, a teacher orSNA you will want to know how you can understand and help. This one day course,facilitated by specialists in the field of autism and behaviour analysisincludes a combination of training and workshop-based activities, as well asthe chance to share experiences.

–Be more confident in understanding why challenging behaviours occur
–Be able to make a basic plan of action
–Know how to check whether your plan is working or not
–Have a range of practical tools to help you deal with challenging behaviour

Date= Saturday 19^th November – 10.00 am – 4.00pm

Venue= Drogheda ABACAS School for Children with Autism, Mallard House, Fair St,Drogheda, Louth

Cost= €50 (inc light lunch)

-----------------------------------------------------------

For further information or to book a placeplease email jacintawalsh@ireland.comor contact on 087 240 7431 or return the following to J Walsh, ABACAS, Fair St,Drogheda, Louth

Another iPad finds a good home!

2011-11-04T22:11:00.003Z

Edel shares her tips for collecting phones and celebrates getting an iPad and an iTouch for her children.

People were so generous. My husband put up 2 boxes in the tea rooms where he works.   Nearly every day he was bringing phones home. A cousin of mine organised a box in his office and collected 42 phones. The local community creche donated 67 phones. Even the local newsagent and butchers starting collecting for us.

It showed us there is still a sense of community if you dig hard enough and give people a reason to come together. We still have phones coming in .Have been able to pass on 40 extra phones to 3 other parents who are collecting and still the phones keep coming. We ended up getting enough for the iPad and an iTouch and are now working towards a Covertible Classmate PC for use in school.

The day we got the iPad D. was so excited he told his big brother and sister ' wait you see I got a phoneputer'.

The iPad will make a huge difference to our boys in helping their language, educational and personal development. We have had a tough few years and services for the boys in our community are poor so it is great to have something to be excited about. Mind you, we would be lost without the ASD unit where D. goes to school. The lovely staff there have changed our quiet little boy into a more confident child who has the belief he can try to do things he hasn't done before. This will stand to him while using the iPad, he won't be afraid to explore new apps.

Thanks Irish Autism Action, you are making a big difference!

Email geraldineP@BPI.ie if you want to register

and recycle mobile phones for gifts.

You don't have to be a member of Irish Autism Action to take part,

this is open to all and everyone is welcome.

North County Dublin Macra Table Quiz, 10th November

2011-11-02T14:14:00.000Z

ASD and bullying - workshops

2011-11-01T16:55:00.000Z

Download application form here.

Our iPad, 3 weeks in and amazing progress already!

2011-10-28T21:30:00.000+01:00

Lynda collected and recycling old mobile phones to get an iPad for her son Padraig. She shares the benefits they have seen after a short time using the device.

My son’s name is Padraig and he was 3 years old last Sunday. I just wanted to write a few words on the impact that the iPad has had on Padraig and our family.

Padraig, at 12 months old, had a clear indication of very weak communication and sensory issues. We tried every avenue to understand Padraig’s condition and learn to incorporate our lives in balance with him, but unfortunately we couldn’t and were very saddened by this.

Then 3 weeks ago we got an iPad. I was very apprehensive about it, thinking to myself that, again, another mechanism that Padraig would only communicate with and not us, but honestly it has become the best communication device EVER.

Padraig, on all levels, has operated this device with such skill and intelligence that it has shocked us. Padraig is trying to communicate with different apps and shares this enjoyment with all the family. Padraig has now started to mouth letters with the ALPHABET app and to hear his voice was probably the most emotional day of our lives.

The LUNCH BOX app shows us the massive potential Padraig has with his problem solving and his understanding of colours and fruits.

The ABBY WORDS app is probably the best app in my opinion for Padraig which lets him know that we have recognised his abilities and applauded him on his brilliance. This app has all the letters to make up the name of animals and Padraig drags the correct letters in each box (he is fantastic at it). He is learning to say the letters and what the name of the animals are. In time I know Padraig will be saying all the animals’ name. Early days just yet, but very exciting.

And finally there is a recording video link on the iPad which enables us to record ourselves and other members of the family and all the different voices so he recognises the person by their voice. We also record places we go to and where we need to go so he doesn’t have a meltdown. This is work in progress and he is adapting well to voice and picture which is fantastic.

Thanks to everyone who donated a phone for my son Padraig to get his iPad. Each and everyone of you has helped my son communicate. I will always be very grateful to you all and especially to Geraldine in BPI Telecom and Jen from Irish Autism Action for opening the scheme for everyone to collect phones for iPad.

Keep it up for our children, this is their future.

As of this morning there are 662 people registered to recycle mobile phones and 218 devices already delivered. The recycling scheme is open to everyone, details of other rewards available here and the schools options are here. To get the collection pack phone Geraldine on 01 4279790 or email geraldinep@bpi.ie

Launch of Support Service Website for Students with Asperger’s Syndrome

2011-10-28T11:30:00.000+01:00

Director of the Disability Service, Mr. Declan Treanorand

Director of the Unilink Service, Dr. Clodagh Nolan,

request the pleasure ofyour company

at the launch of

A Support Service Website for Students withAsperger’s Syndrome including videos and i-book

The Minister for Health, Dr. James Reilly T.D.

on Thursday 3^rd November 2011 at 12 noon

in the Neill / Hoey Lecture Theatre,

Long RoomHub, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2.

Tea and Coffee to follow.

Aspergers Syndrome Support website

RSVP by 31st October to 01-8963111 or email disab@tcd.ie

Kilcock Celtic Kick Off First FAI Football For All Club Programme

2011-10-27T17:27:00.000+01:00

The Football Association of Ireland in conjunction with the ‘Local and Community Development section of The Department of the Environment’ and ‘People with Disabilities Ireland’ has recently launched the Football For All Club Programme.

This programme works with clubs to help them become more inclusive to children aged 6 – 14 of any ability.

Football For All teams in a network of clubs nationwide will embrace diversity and promote the true meaning of ‘Football For All’

FAI Football For All National Coordinator Oisin Jordan says:

“This new programme will ensure the inclusion of children of all abilities in the football community in Ireland. Football For All clubs are breaking down barriers by becoming inclusive, guaranteeing that all children regardless of ability will in the future will have the same opportunity to play football for their local club".

Kilcock Celtic is the first club to form a Football For All club programme in County Kildare

Details of programme:

Date: Saturday 5th November 2011
Time: 11am to 12.30pm
Venue: Kilcock Celtic, Bawnogues, Kilcock, Co Kildare

For details please contact :

Ray Dully
083 3351290
Kilcock Celtic

or

Oisin Jordan
086 6079223
National Coordinator Football For All
Football Association of Ireland

NCSE Research Conference 2011

2011-10-27T13:00:00.000+01:00

The National Council for Special Education

is pleased to invite you to its

2011 Research Conference

Wednesday 16th November 2011 at
The Hogan Suite, Croke Park Conference Centre, Dublin
9.15am – 4.20pm

The research conference will feature: the launch of the NCSE Inclusive Education Framework, a practical tool for schools; presentations on recently completed NCSE research studies; guest speaker Professor Lani Florian, University of Aberdeen, on inclusive practice and the implications for teacher education; and a presentation on the NCSE’s recent policy advice on the role of special schools and classes.

Please click here for the conference agenda.

To book a place at the conference please click here to complete and submit the online booking form. Places are available on a first come, first served basis.

Booking forms must be submitted to NCSE by 5pm Wednesday November 2nd 2011. If you have any queries about the conference, please e-mail NCSEResearch@ncse.ie

Autism - Developing Social Understanding over teaching Social Skills

2011-10-26T12:00:00.000+01:00

Autism - Developing Social Understanding over teaching Social Skills

I would like to start off this blog, Autism - looking beyond surface issues, by offering a big thank you to all the kind comments I have received on and off line since my first blog was published. It is very encouraging to learn that these thoughts resonated with so many. By far the most powerful feedback to the blog came from an adult who actually experiences Autism. Before starting with the “how” element of this blog, I would like to share these words with you anonymously.

“Oh and, by the way, I am Autistic...

It seems you are on some kind of a right track along similar lines, or at any rate have managed to notice that 90% of Autism is on the inside looking out, and there is more to it than fixing the surface appearances. If I have a dollar for every time I explain that I cannot tolerate interacting with people for more than a few hours a week and somebody answers with a variation on:
“But I don’t find you objectionable”

They seem utterly unaware that there is a whole person, with her own feelings and reactions inside me that has the lions share of control over my stress and tolerance levels...and the more, supposedly “Autism Aware” they are, the worse that obliviousness seems to be. It is as if, on some visceral level, people genuinely believe that Autism is entirely a disability of appearances, and if you could just teach those it would all go away.

How very wrong they are.

Anyway, usually I try to avoid looking closely at anyone saying anything about autism because whenever I look too closely it is always so hopelessly misguided, dehumanising and/or outright morally bankrupt that it terrifies me into a pit of despair that, as an autistic, take some serious repressing just so I can function, but your post was one of the very few rays of hope I have ever seen.”

I don’t know about you, but I found this person’s words to be incredibly powerful. Not only do they so honestly portray the painful reality of life with Autism for an adult but they are a reminder to us professionals that qualifications and experience need not equate to understanding. A huge thank you for this feedback. It is this kind of feedback that inspires me to continue to spread the good word of a different approach to autism.

I want to forewarn you about the length of this blog - I tried to cut it down somewhat, but this is as short as I could manage. As I said in my last blog, there is no quick fix and the explanation behind the “how” of a different approach requires some detail too. Please be sure to watch the supporting videos in their entirety as they are much more powerful than the words I write.

No quick fixes….

If we are to be brutally honest, we all seek quick fixes for many of the problems we face. Understandably, this type of thinking can also creep into the way we approach and treat the painful problems experienced by our children with Autism. No matter, how tempting this is, you should always remember that the core symptoms your child exhibits all have origins in early development and that overlooking these origins can have painful implications for the child’s future development.

Let’s get on with the how.

A little neuroscience – made simple – ( a big thank you to Dr Daniel Siegal – Neuroscientist - for making this very complicated subject make sense)

When we are dealing with developmental issues involving the brain and believe me, they all involve the brain, we have to appreciate the amazing power it has to grow and continually re-organize itself. In recent years scientists have developed brain scanning technology that allows researchers to study the brain in ways that were never before possible. This technology has confirmed much of what we previously believed about the brain. However, one of the findings that has shaken the very foundations of neuroscience is the discovery that the brain is actually plastic ( not literally) or mould-able. This means that the brain physically changes throughout the course of lives, not just in childhood, as we had previously assumed.

So what is it that moulds the brain? It is our experiences. Even into old age, our experiences actually change the physical structure of our brain. When we undergo an experience , our brain cells called neurons, become active or “fire”. The brain has one hundred billion neurons with an average of ten thousand connections to other neurons. When neurons “fire” together, they grow new connections between them . Over time, the connections that result from “firing” lead to “re-wiring” in the brain.. This is very exciting news – It means that we are not held captive for the rest of our lives by the way our brain works at the moment.

Take a look at this wonderful video that beautifully illustrates the wonders of the brain. Don’t be surprised if you shed a tear.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgKPPsRnOSQ

Quite incredible isn’t it?

Implications for Autism

Given what I have learned about the amazing capacity of the brain to overcome disability and re-organise itself, I am no longer happy to see the painful symptoms of Autism as impairments or deficits, that we can do nothing about, other than just try to make life easier for the individual. I am not talking about cures, but using what we now know about the brain and development to help reverse the cycle of dependency that exists for people on the Autism Spectrum.

Developing Social Understanding over Social Skills

For reasons that are very understandable, we spend most of time and efforts in Autism treatment, education and parenting trying to teach children appropriate behaviour and Social Skills. This is what we measure our success upon. Although I understand this, I would like to questions how useful this is?
In order to develop a skill and be able to use it successfully in multiple settings, we must first have an understanding of this skill. New skills need to be learned in supportive and competence–producing ways if they are to be internalized and useable. Trying to force a child or bribe a child to learn and use information and skills generally leads to a child feeling insecure, unsupported and incompetent. Even if you succeed in getting children to produce responses in this manner, the meaning and understanding is not necessarily there. The child’s ability to generalize the learning to real life situations will be limited.

Here is an example of this: In my everyday work, I have the privilege of visiting many homes to see parents of children with Autism. Almost always, the child is prompted several times, to say hello to Declan. Eventually, when they have given up the will to live, they respond. The pressure is lifted from the child and the parent is happy their child has greeted me. It is very understandable for parents to want their child to have this basic social skill, but here is the problem: When we prompt a child to display a skill like this, we are teaching them to behave and not think. They most probably have not understood the reason why they should greet me and more importantly they are denied the opportunity to choose whether to greet me or not. The most likely outcome of this approach is not that the child learns to greet visitors who come to the door, but the child learns to greet visitors, when they are prompted to. We are teaching the child to behave and not think.

Now, how can we promote thinking over behaving?

This is a long story and an even longer process., but I hope you see from the short case study below, that this very achievable and very rewarding for both child and parent / teacher.
In order to learn any skill and use it effectively, you have to be developmentally ready to discover the meaning attached to that skill. More importantly, any teacher or parent interested in developing this understanding for a child must be cogniscent of what is required of the child. I am happy to share more understanding on this topic, in a future blog, if readers are interested? For the purposes of this blog, I want to share something you can do to promote such social understanding and to show you a beautiful video clip of a child who is prospering from his parent’s hard work and belief in their child and in this process: Please remember, this is not a bag of tricks, you and your child must be ready to learn like this.

Thinking about the Language we use:

I would like you to think about how you communicate with your child or student with Autism? In most cases, there is a huge difference in the way we communicate with these children than how we communicate with typically developing children. It might be a good idea for you to video your interactions and carefully compare them.

If you have carried out this examination, you will probably find, that your communication with the child with Autism is very instrumental in nature. We are generally asking the child questions or telling them what to do.
Here are some examples: I bet they sound familiar?

What did you do at school today?
Put your raincoat on, it’s raining
Say hello to Declan
Don’t do that.

There are many problems associated with this type of communication. Here are a few:

1 – Firstly, by telling a child what do, you are asking them to behave . You are not asking them to think and to problem solve. You are directly prompting them toward the answer to a problem.
Let’s use the example of the raincoat.: Sure, it is a good idea for a child to wear a raincoat in the rain, but why provide the answer to the problem? Why not say something like this, Gosh, it’s raining outside, I wonder, what kind of clothes would be best to wear? Here you are presenting the problem to the child and allowing them the opportunity of solving it. You are encouraging thought over behaviour.
In the example of “say hello to Declan”, again you are directly prompting the child to behave. Why not say something like,: Declan is here. The last time he was here, he was delighted when you said hello to him. Here again, you are presenting a problem for the child to solve and above all you are respecting the child’s right not be bothered to say hello to Declan if she does not want to.
To put this simply, you are giving the child a hint towards solving the problem.

2 – Secondly, can you put yourself in the position of the child who is constantly being told what to do and continually being asked questions? Would you be happy to participate with a communication partner who treats you like this? I doubt it. Would you want to spend time with a person who does this? You would probably resist such communication and give the first answer that comes into your head, so that person will leave you alone. Does this sound familiar?

So the reality here is that our choice of language as parents and teachers can determine
(a) whether we are teaching our children to behave instead of teaching them to think and understand
(b) Whether or not, we are the type of communication partner that our children want to pay attention to and learn from.

Meet Tom (aged 5)

I have had the pleasure of working with Tom’s parents for a little over a year now. That’s right this approach is about empowering parents and teachers to make changes, rather than a therapist to child relationship.

Toms’s parents have put considerable effort into changing the way they communicate with him. They have created a culture of hinting within the home where Tom is encouraged to solve problems, rather than be told what to do. Through this, Tom is becoming a very good thinker and problem solver. He now recognizes the subtleties of typical social communication and is able to act upon them.

Please take a look at this short video to see what I mean. Please note Tom has not been told what to do nor has he practiced this type of activity before. This is a natural moment beautifully caught on camera…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFgF6kLIMwc

Do you see Tom pick up upon his Mum’s need after a pretty vague hint? Do you then see him act upon this hint to firstly remove Mum’s shoes and proceed to get her more comfortable footwear. He then struggles to get them on for her. This is all without being told. Now look at, Mum’s feedback to Tom. This goes way beyond “good job”. This feedback is about making Tom feel competent and ensuring he knows that this thoughtful behaviour was warmly appreciated. What are the chances of tom looking out for signs where he can help his Mum again? I’d say pretty strong. In fact since this video was made, Tom has become even more accomplished at picking up the needs of others. Are neural connections being made here? I would certainly say so.

If we examine, the deficit model of Autism, we are told that children with Autism have an impairment in reading other people’s minds or in being empathic? They certainly have challenges in this area but it is possible to create competence for the child in this area of thinking and the results are very rich for both the child and family, as you can see from the video of Tom and his mum.

I would like to thank Tom’s family for sharing their successes in this way. I would like to thank Tom for being such a great lateral thinker. Tom now greets me independently every time I see him. Sometimes he just says hello, other times it’s a high five and more recently it’s a hug. I will completely understand if at other times, he just can’t be bothered. Isn’t that the way it should be?

Declan Sweeney, BSc(Hons) Psych, ACE (Autism), Certified RDI Program Consultant

Email – declan@reconnectautism.org
Website – www.reconnectautism.org
Visit us on facebook on www.facebook.com/ReConnectautism

Advance Therapy Systems discount for IAA members

2011-10-25T12:00:00.000+01:00

Irish Autism Action,
41 Newlands,
Mullingar,
Co. Westmeath

September 30th 2011

Over the last 9 months, and following a review of our records, we have noticed that a number of our clients belong to your association. These families have disclosed to us that they are availing or have availed of the guidance and services of your organisation.

One of the aims of Advance Therapy Systems Ltd. (ATS) is to work closely with different organizations that support children, adolescents and adults with disabilities and their families. Over the last 4 years we have offered thousands of therapeutic sessions. Services such as occupational therapy and speech and language therapy are provided at ATS in a number of different programmes (i.e. early intervention, teen programmes, social skills groups, etc); we also work closely with a network of medical, educational and therapy professionals.

Our services are not only paid privately but also provided through professional residencies in contract with American based universities, pro bono publico (or services free of charge), and funded by different organisations such as schools or the Health Service Executive (HSE) or the National Health Service of Northern Ireland (NHS).

We have attached a description of our current programmes and services, which are further explained on our website (www.advancetherapysystems.com).

As a token of our appreciation, we would like to offer members of your organisation a 20% reduction in the cost of all professional services rendered by ATS from the month of October 2011 onwards. They should mention the following code 07778 and show IAA membership card.

This will allow us to give back to the community and also stimulate parents to become members of organisations we believe are necessary to support the growth of parent advocacy.

Regards,

______________________               __________________________
Marie Murphy, OT                                        Dr. Gustavo Reinoso, PhD, OTR/L
Advance Therapy Systems Ltd, Director        Advance Therapy Systems Ltd, Director

______________________
Dr. Thomas Decker, OTD, OTD/L
Advance Therapy Systems Ltd, Director

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.

Autism Spectrum Disorder: from Diagnosis to Educational Provision Conference, NUIG

2011-10-24T12:00:00.000+01:00

The Centre for Autism and Developmental Disorders at the National University of Ireland is delighted to announce its first international autism conference.

The conference will include presentations from national and international experts in the fields of health and education.

Over two days there will be plenary presentations and workshops on the latest evidence-based approaches to diagnosis, clinical management, education and adult service provision.

Early registration is €60 for parents and students and €120 for professionals before November 1^st

Toys 4 Big Boys and Girls in the City, Nov 11-13

2011-10-21T12:30:00.000+01:00

NEW fun event, all set to take Dublin's Citywest by storm.

Make a diary date now for November 11-13, at the superb new convention centre at the Citywest Hotel. Escape with your pals for a great day out, filled with fashion, beauty advice, style and FUN.

You will love this stunning event. You and your friends will enjoy concerts, dance performances and beauty workshops, with three sizzling fashion shows each day styled by French fashion guru Cynthia Baloula.
Displays at Girls in the City include jewellery, cosmetics, accessories, gorgeous clothes, amazing treatments and lots more!

Engaging talks and master classes will include “How to dress to your body shape” and “How to master Smokey Eye and Natural Day Look”. Interactive displays and demonstrations on all your favourite fashion and beauty topics will guarantee a great day out.

It's easy to get there: the fabulous new Citywest convention centre has its own Luas stop. Or if you're driving, parking is FREE.

Best of all, you can drag the man in your life along: Girls in the City runs right alongside Toys 4 Big Boys -- the event for lads, Dads and the guys -- so why not make a day of it?

There is an allocation of ticket sales for IAA and the great news is that part of the proceeds of these tickets sold on www.premiertickets.ie goes to Irish Autism Action.

http://www.premiertickets.ie/events/563/Girls-In-The-City-Tickets.html

T4BB is 10! And we're celebrating with an ALL NEW event for 2011!

We hardly believe it ourselves, but Ireland’s favourite show for stuff-that-makes-you-go-WOW has just reached double figures.

To celebrate, we’ve put on a new set of clothes (like our new logo?) and started planning an ALL NEW event for 2011, moving to the fab Citywest Event Centre with free parking and its own brand new stop on the Luas.

It’s amazing what you can do with a clean sheet of paper. We’ve taken the best bits from the last ten years, brainstormed into the night, made the phone calls and lined up a T4BB event which will have you and your mates grinning from ear to ear.

There is an allocation of ticket sales for IAA and the great news is that part of the proceeds of these tickets sold on www.premiertickets.ie goes to Irish Autism Action.

http://www.premiertickets.ie/events/564/Toys-4-Big-Boys-Tickets.html

Aspire Autumn Talks

2011-10-21T09:56:00.000+01:00

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

2011-10-20T14:05:00.000+01:00

Autism and Music, training day, Wicklow

2011-10-20T12:01:00.001+01:00

Autism Spectrum Disorder Initiatives

Autism and Music

A Day of Training with

Brian Smith

Consultant Music Therapist

A.S.D.I. cordially invites you to a day of training in the ways to use music and its therapies in communication with adults with Autism Spectrum Conditions.

The training will be from 10.30am until 4.30pm and will be in

The Grand Hotel, Wicklow Town on 24th October.

If you have a musical instrument – bring it along!

Fee for non ASDI employees is 20 euro per person.

Lunch will be provided.

For further information and to book a place

please contact

Aileen at aileen.fitzpartick@asdinitiatives.ie or

Marion at marion.barnwell@asdinitiatives.ie

before Monday 17th October 2011.

Toy Show Experience

2011-10-20T11:00:00.000+01:00

Ireland's first ever Toy ShowExperience will take place in the Convention Centre Dublin on the 4th 5th &6th November 2011. The Toy Show Experience is a new event for children of allages, where they get to play and experience all the toys that they see ondisplay. The show will feature all the latest toys from the top toymanufacturers with Hamleys, Eurocycles, Toymaster, Eurobaby, Leinster Rugby,GAA, FAI International Education Services and Dublin City Libraries are onboard. We will also have aSpecial Needs section sponsored by Thinking Toys with a specially designedsensory area. Disney and Paramount pictures are contributing to our setdesign with Peppa Pig, the Official Puss in Boots Mascot and Jedward as ourspecial guests..

The Toy Show Experience is a show for children and about children unlike anyother trade/family show around. Our target age group is 3-12 year olds and 20 -45 year old parents with an estimate attendance of 15,000 people over the 3days. We will also be hosting a VIP/Media evening on the Thursday.

Our website www.toyshowexperience.com, is a very interactive site to encourage repeat visits from children andparents alike. This will keep the Toy Show Experience in the forefront ofpeople's minds and it's also an opportunity to promote your products on ourwebsite. Our Facebook page has generated over 14,000 followers in last 2 weeks,which is quite amazing and any new links announced on it are benefittinggreatly.

Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster and are going really well. We hope tohave the event sold out for Saturday and Sunday. 10% will go to Temple StreetChildren's Hospital.

Dean Beadle shares his day-to-day experiences with Aspergers Syndrome

2011-10-19T12:30:00.000+01:00

Recorded live at Autism Cymru's 4th international conference at Cardiff City Hall (21/6/11), acclaimed speaker and successful journalist Dean Beadle shares his day-to-day experiences with Aspergers Syndrome.

Technology and learning in children with autism - Birmingham event.

2011-10-18T13:00:00.000+01:00

Universities of Birmingham, Southampton and Wales Institute Cardiff

are organising an event for the Festival of Social Sciences on

Tuesday the 1st of November. This festival is funded by the Economic

and Social Research Council and it is going to take place at Topcliffe

Primary School in Birmingham.

Researchers from the above institutions, teachers and pupils of the

school are going to show how technology can enhance learning in children

with autism.

The technologies on offer will be ECHOES, COSPATIAL, REACTICKLES and

SOMANTICS.

Parents, practitioners and children are welcome to the school to engage

in hands-on experiences, listen to presentations and to participate in

workshops. 
 
The team launched a website where more information on the event and

the technologies used can be found.

Playing and Learning with innovative technologies

LOFFA Halloween Hoolie

2011-10-17T13:00:00.000+01:00

After the success of last years Halloween fundraiser - Junction Seventeen at Portlaoise Rugby Club, Togher have offered to host another Halloween Hoolie in aid of LOFFA.

The night will include live music by 2 fabulous local bands - the Valves & Blueprint; followed by a disco, finger food and lots of festive antics.

Tickets: €15 bought in advance from here : http://www.sponsor.ie/loffa-secretary/event/haunting-halloween-hoolie/ from Orlaith 086 312 9918 or on the door

Fancy dress is not essential .... but you'll be the odd one out if you dont

Spread the word; Get planning your outfit and COME ALONG IF YOUR DARE ........

For those coming who want to stay overnight - the Portlaoise Heritage Hotell have offered us the preferential rate of:
€45 B&B per person for a Double/twin room
€69 B&B for a single room
to book contact reservation on 057 86 78 588 & reference LOFFA

Finglas fundraising night a big success!

2011-10-16T21:11:00.003+01:00

A big 'Thank You' to

Eric Gavin

from Finglas

who held a fundraisingnight

at The Village Inn, Finglas

on Friday October 7^th

and raised€1,253

for Irish Autism Action

IAA Members Meeting Saturday 15th October 2011

2011-10-13T18:05:00.000+01:00

Members Meeting

Saturday 15th October 2011

11am – 4pm

Ashling Hotel, Park Gate Street, Dublin 8

11.00am – 11.45am         Dr Brendan Byrne

Cherith Counselling Centre, Firhouse, Dublin 24

PRESENTATION: Autistic Spectrum Disorders and bullying – an overview of proposed IAA workshops

11.45am – 12.45pm        Professor Errol Cocks MPsych PhD

Professor and Director, Centre for Research into Disability and Society, School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia.

PRESENTATION: Transition to adult life for young people with disability: Individual supported living and employment – An Australian perspective.

12.45pm – 1.15pm         Break.    Tea, coffee, sandwiches available.

1.15pm – 2.00pm            Mr Ben North

Manager, Region 1, new National Advocacy Service For People With Disabilities.

2.00pm – 4.00pm            Kevin Whelan, CEO, IAA

IAA Activity Report 2011

Jennefer Cullinan, Social Media, IAA
Mobile Phone Appeal update

Kevin Whelan, CEO, IAA
Group feedback on IAA priorities 2011/2012

To facilitate catering arrangements, please call National Office on 044 9331609 to confirm your attendance.

Autism - looking beyond surface issues

2011-10-12T13:30:00.000+01:00

I was asked to write a blog after I contributed to a discussion on Irish Autism Action’s facebook page on the subject of Social Communication in Autism. My opinion differs from many on this subject and may have created some curiosity.

I have worked in the field of Autism for 18 years, predominantly in the UK and I have used many of the treatment approaches used today in Ireland throughout this time. I still continue to use elements of these approaches in my work, however 3 years ago I re-trained in the USA in a program that understands and treats Autism from a developmental and cognitive perspective and this has very much changed how I now view Autism. I do not claim to have a quick fix or “bag of tricks” nor should any other professionals in this area but after all my years working with both adults and children with mild to severe autism, I am a strong believer in the need to look deeper, when planning treatment for children and adults on the spectrum.

When considering this blog , I realized I would be putting the cart before the horse, if I went straight to discussing Social Communication in Autism. First and foremost, I thought it would be useful to look at why we may have to change the way we do things. I’m a firm believer in first asking questions, before we consider creating answers. I therefore have chosen to focus this blog on the “why” rather than the “how”. I am happy to follow up with some helpful strategies if readers are interested?

Deficits or Challenges?

We have known for some time that children and adults diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum by definition are struggling in many areas: social understanding, flexible thinking, communication and the list can go on depending on the specific needs of the child. Lorna Wing’s “Triad of Impairments” has informed and guided diagnosticians and diagnostic tools for decades now.
When we view Autism through the lens of a “deficit model”, we see these “impairments” as immoveable objects that are almost part of the child’s personality. We see unusual behaviour and explain it by saying things like ”he does this because of his Autism”, or “people with Autism don’t like doing this”. This might be true when we view these problems based upon observing behaviour alone, but it does not begin to explain to us why such problems exist in the first place for the child. This, I believe, is where the challenge lies.

Why do we need to look beyond surface issues?

It is easy to see the problems a child is exhibiting on the surface — outbursts, avoidant, limited verbal communication, clumsy, oppositional, etc. What you have to avoid, however, is the urge to take these problems at face value and assume that what you are seeing is the thing that needs to be treated. Sometimes that can be the case but many times there are more foundational or developmental issues that are causing the surface-level symptoms we see daily.

A child with autism who is nonverbal, for example, has a problem that is visible — she is not speaking. It seems obvious to focus on getting the child to talk, and parents are often told to look for a speech therapist to teach their child to speak. The problem with this approach is that it often does not take into account why the child is not talking. It fails to investigate whether missing developmental foundations are creating the surface problem of lack of speech. In the case of all children, there are a number of social and communication foundations that require development before words can be used effectively. When it comes to children with Autism, we see many children who have failed to master these critical foundations. If that factor is ignored, the child with Autism may still be taught to say words but will not be able to effectively use those words to communicate. Does this sound familiar?

If we look at the development of typical children, we know that speech is the last modality of basic communication that they learn. Speech develops after the child has mastered numerous forms of non-verbal communication and more importantly has developed an appetite for communication on a social level. How useful will words be for a child with Autism, if they have not yet developed such an appetite or do not have any understanding of the non-verbal foundations of communication?

The following video illustrates how typically developing children learn to communicate very effectively using non-verbal communication, long before they develop speech.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EScEDCfNSI0

As you can see, these little guys have a truly reciprocal conversation going on without using any words.

The same is true for a child who exhibits problematic or challenging behaviors. The first response may be to hire a behavior therapist to treat the behaviors because that is what everyone sees on the surface. There are many more foundational or root issues that require investigation before deciding that we should treat the behaviour alone. Does she have adequate developmental foundations for emotional regulation? Are the communication and cognitive abilities in place that allow for understanding of the environment and communicating appropriate responses to it? If we fail to examine these areas we may very well treat the thing we see on the surface without resolving the problem at all because we have not addressed the real underlying problems.

Similarly, we see many children with Autism who appear resistant to change. We have compensated for this difficulty by encouraging parents and educators to make environments very structured for them. On the surface, this may appear to reduce stress and open the child up to better learning opportunities, but in the long-term are we not perhaps decreasing the child’s chances of living independently as an adult? The real world does not offer such structure and predictability. If we choose to look closer, there will be developmental reasons behind why your child is afraid of uncertainty. She may lack the cognitive abilities to process vital information from her environment. We all avoid things we do not understand and children with Autism are no different in this manner.

Autism is commonly accepted to be a neuro-developmental disorder. In many Autism treatments , we have largely ignored developmental psychology. I firmly believe there is fantastic work being carried out in Ireland by both professionals and families and I feel the emergence of developmental perspectives in Autism in Ireland will only serve to create much richer outcomes for those children we are working with.

Declan Sweeney, BSc(Hons) Psych, ACE (Autism), Certified RDI Program Consultant

Email – declan@reconnectautism.org
Website – www.reconnectautism.org

Declan wrote a follow up post, Autism - Developing Social Understanding over teaching Social Skills.

A little laughter can go a long way!

2011-10-11T13:30:00.000+01:00

Comedy night in the heart of the city

and fundraiser for Irish Autism Action

Dublin’s Laughter Lounge, Eden Quay

Thursday November 3rd

7.30pm * all tickets include a free cocktail before 7.30pm

Text or call Maria on 0860821015 *

In order for funds raised to go to the charity, tickets must be bought directly from Maria.

Halloween Fancy Dress and Murder Mystery Night, Wexford

2011-10-10T16:42:00.002+01:00

Irish Autism Action - Better Together!

2011-10-07T12:41:00.000+01:00

This is our entry into the Better Together video competition.

This is the Youtube copy, the video entry and voting mechanism is available HERE. The charity that gets the most votes will win €3000 and there are some lovely entries.

Thank you to the parents who allowed me to include their fabulous children in the short clip. Enjoy!

Dublin Regional Meeting postponed

2011-10-06T14:00:00.003+01:00

Unfortunately it appears that tonight’s meeting is not veryconvenient for the vast majority of our member groups. Having given thematter careful consideration the board has decided to defer the discussion andinclude it in our meeting scheduled for Saturday 15^th October. THIS MEETING WILL DEFINITELY BE PROCEEDING and will take place at the AshlingHotel commencing at 11am and concluding at 4pm. On behalf of the board weapologise sincerely for any inconvenience, particularly to those who hadindicated their availability to attend.

The board wished to emphasise that they remain committed toengagement with the membership and would not wish for any inference to be takenin this cancellation of any lesser commitment or respect of our membergroups. Staff in our national office will be contacting people by phonetoday advising of the deferment. Also a message will beposted on our home page.

Look forward to seeing you on the 15^th.

Regards,

KevinWhelan, CEO

IrishAutism Action,

41Newlands,

Mullingar,

Co.Westmeath