Local Wisdom: Help & Advice from Parents & Individuals with Autism throughout Northern Ireland
Kathleen, Newry
"Do I disclose my child has suspected ASD or has been diagnosed with ASD when applying for a place in a mainstream Nursery/ pre-school? Some parents can be anxious that a Nursery or Pre-school will refuse to admit their child because of the diagnosis. Often mainstream Nurseries/Pre-schools obtain extra funding for a disabled child so a diagnosis of ASD should not hinder your child being accepted into your choice of placement for your child. Furthermore if a school has reached its enrolment figure and is full there is a possibility of an extra placement being offered to a special needs child."
Claire, Lisburn
"My piece of advice would be to obtain a "buddy" card which allows the carer of a disabled person to gain free entry into the Lisburn Leisureplex and Island Arts Centre. When filling in the form put "Autism" as an explanation of the person's disability and not Asperger's as some staff have not yet heard of Asperger's and this has resulted in delayed applications. The buddy card belongs to the person with Autism and may be used by a parent or any other carer. The Movie House Cinemas have a similar system of free entry for a carer that is worth investigating if your loved one enjoys the cinema. Other venues may have reduced or free entry for carers and my advice is always to ask. Lisburn Leisureplex also has priority queueing system, just show your Autism NI membership card."
Maire, Derry City
"Many parents feel despair when their child is diagnosed, they feel helpless and want others to fix things for them. The reality is we each have to fix things ourselves by getting involved, organising, planning and pushing to get help. No-one can help us, we have to help ourselves, but by joining with other parents we can get the strength and courage to do this. We mustn't forget that parents who organise are parents themselves, who are equally despairing and are doing their best. Getting involved by helping others helps me cope.
Don't be too submissive with professionals - don't be put off, stick at it until you get a diagnosis. Don't take no for an answer - mobilise to get services, join with other parents and be a strong voice. It will not only help ultimately your child, it will help all the other children who need services. You will feel better if you feel you can do something."
Patricia, South Down
"Being a member of a positive, supportive, informative Autism NI Branch allows a parent/carer to understand and accept the reality of Autism as well as empowering and supporting them in their struggle to find and obtain whatever services are necessary to enable their child to reach their full potential."
Eilish, Belfast
"Having someone in your household with ASD makes you a different family. I wish someone had told me that it's all a question of balance. Yes you must embrace the uniqueness but you must always seek normality."
Patricia, Dungannon
“I used to exhaust myself pretending to be normal. I did not dare
to let others see me behaving differently. My only relief was road running
in my local area because it was then that I could be in a world of my own
without anyone feeling that they needed to “pull me out of it”.
I was in my early 40’s before I broke the cycle of traumatic &
drugged admissions to psychiatric hospitals when I realised I was different
because I had Autism, not because I was mentally ill. I received my diagnosis
of Autism and with professional counselling my faith, family support, friendship
and information from Autism NI – I began the journey of discovery and appreciation
of the uniqueness of my Autism. Above all Knowledge and Support helped me
cope.”
