Group come together to support parents of children with autism
By Maurice Garvey
PARENTS of children with autism, have banded together in an effort to tackle challenges and provide support for other families in similar situations.
The Dublin 8 & Bluebell Parents Association for Autism Inclusion was officially launched this week at Bernard Curtis House in Bluebell.
Vicky Commerford, Zoe McCormack, Paula Hickey, Charmaine Doad and Mada Scott
The association is made up of five mothers, each of whom have struggled to secure suitable educational placements for their children.
“Five different mothers, from five different backgrounds, and all the kids were diagnosed differently, but together as a group it is easier,” said Vicky Comerford, Secretary/co-founder of the group.
A Liberties resident, Vicky is mother of two boys on the spectrum, Leon (8), Luke (5) plus a daughter Eabha, who has cerebral palsy.
“At the moment, we meet twice a week but operate an open-door policy. Thursday mornings from 10am to 1pm, we will provide support and advice to other parents, point them in the right direction.”
Like Vicky, a couple of mothers in the group have three kids with special needs in their family, presenting a major challenge in terms of finding the right school.
Vicky continued: “To get school places is quite difficult. Coming together made us realise the huge need for ASD classes in our communities, but also there is a greater issue around social inclusion for people living with autism in education, through local sports and activity groups.”
Vicky said the group are in the process of setting up a football group and are working with St Patrick’s Athletic.
“Our hopes are to be able to support each other and hopefully grow. Over time, we can build our communities to be fully autism friendly, providing adequate education for autistic children in the area and to promote inclusion through local clubs.”
Anyone interested in contacting the group can drop by Bluebell on Thursday mornings, visit their Facebook page D8 & Bluebell Parents Association for Autism Inclusion or email them at dublin8autisminclusion@gmail.com.
