Fundraiser helps highlight new adult autism service in Tallaght
By Aideen O'Flaherty
A NEW autism day service for adults introduced itself to the Tallaght community last week through doing a 5km fundraising walk around Tymon Park.
Tallaght Horizons, which is part of a larger group called Autism Initiatives, opened in Tallaght village last September and currently caters to seven adults, with another six expected to join this September.
The service hosts a number of activities for service users to help them in a number of ways.
Ian Shudell from Autism Initiatives told The Echo: “Social activities are quite challenging for some of our service users.
“Some of our service users do gardening, which is good for them, as they do it in a group.
“Then we have help with their mental health, like art therapy and yoga.”
“We also help them with money management, and some of them go to the library and to the gym.”
The service users are referred to Tallaght Horizons through the HSE, typically after their parent or guardian has contacted the HSE for supports.
The service offers a supportive environment for the participants, which is tailored to the needs of the individual.
Mr Shudell said: “It’s basically setting people up for the real world.
“We create supports as we see the needs of the service user, and as the service user wants for themselves.”
Mr Shudell added that even though the group only began in September, he’s already seen a positive change in the service users.
“Their comfort level with the services, and with ourselves, has increased.
“We have really good relationships with the service users, in that we like each other and they trust us, and when you have that that’s when you can help them.”
The group is hoping to use the money that they have raised from the walk to fund a large trip for the service users to Belfast or to use as an investment to add to their sensory room.
Over €1,500 was raised at the walk.
