North West Autism NI
The NW Branch is open to any parent in the region who has a child with ASD. We also have a large attendance at our branch meetings, hailing from the areas of Limavady, Derry and Strabane. Our members are parents with children of all ages, from 18 months to 35 plus, and their children, some of whom come and contribute to the meetings.
Autism NI (North West) Branch lobby Sinn Fein
MLAs over lack of local support services. Martina
Anderson (MLA), Robert McCartnery (MLA) and
local Policy Officer meet with Marie O'Kane (Branch Chair) and Arlene Cassidy (CEO) from Autism NI (May 2008)
Our get-togethers take place on the third Tuesday of the month in the Education Unit of Foyle Hospice. The monthly theme alternates between a talk from an invited speaker and a Parents’ Forum. In the past we have had speakers on Befriending, Housing, Benefits, courses and self-help programmes. We also invite Board officials in to inform us of current initiatives being undertaken on behalf of ASD-affected individuals. Recent guests have been the Assistant Director for Children’s Services and the Director for those affected by autism (Adult) Services in our Health Board.
Branch meetings usually begin with information and, on the evenings when we have a forum; parents share their experience and problems with others in a similar situation. Whether your toddler has just been diagnosed and you are trying to come to terms with the news, or you are seeking information on how to access employment opportunities for an adult with the condition, chances are that you will meet someone who has dealt with a similar problem. The meeting also offers access to a lending library for paid-up members and refreshments in a relaxed atmosphere.
We run a number of functions: some years a summer dance, the Christmas party and our summer scheme outings. We have had Monkeynastix activities for younger children in the branch and their siblings; most years we have an outing to the Odyssey in Belfast to Disney on Ice. September 2006 saw us hosting a major conference at the City Hotel, on preparing children with ASD for their futures. Delegates attended from throughout Northern Ireland and the principle speakers were Jerry Newport and Eustacia Cutler (mother of the famous Temple Grandin).
Committee members also press for better services through participating in a dialogue with representatives of the WHSSB. Two years ago this brought about the formulation of the WHSSB Strategy Document for Autism which envisages, and constitutes, a policy for best practice. Without political action to bring this about, however achieving the implementation of such a model would probably be very slow. As a result some of us are very active in pressing for political change, especially the legislation to ring fence funds for ASD services.
A number of our members have also taken advantage of the courses run by Autism NI, such as the Family, Sibling and Grandparents’ workshops, and behaviour management training.
Our branch goes from strength to strength. In the future we hope to get on-going activities for older children off the ground.
Watch this space!
