Knocktemple National School was the first school in Cavan to set up an Autism class, 7 years ago. The school now has 3 classes – organised by age groups, and is committed to building an inclusive atmosphere in the school through raising awareness and integrating the students in the ASD classrooms into regular school activities as much as possible. The school took this to a new level this year through organising a whole week of activities and awareness raising projects so the entire school community could learn more about Autism. AsIAm.ie was delighted to be invited to attend and Adam Harris writes on his visit and impression of the week.
I arrived in Cavan on Tuesday morning. The AsIAm.ie launch was the previous evening so I was a little tired travelling down, to say the least! However the moment I arrived at the school that tiredness was replaced by excitement for what was on the display there.
The walls of the school were covered in Autism awareness banners, flags, slogans and quizzes and hundreds of blue balloons were being inflated for a balloon release to mark the occassion. Brian Shiels, is the teacher behind the idea for the event, and he showed me the jam-packed schedule for the week which included horse riding for the children in the unit, training for staff, sampling of Autism therapies such as music therapy for children in the mainstream school and a whole host of workshops, our own included, culminating in the Information Evening which aimed to educate the whole local community about Autism.
I spoke to Vincent Mulvey, Principal of Knocktemple NS, and it was clear he had really got behind the idea and helped drive it forward, indeed a committee has been formed to manage this sizeable event and it even included parents of children from the mainstream part of the school – a whole community approach, which I find very refreshing indeed.
Shortly after I arrived, RTE came along to interview children attending the school, Vincent and myself. The point I made to camera was really describing what I was seeing – World Autism Awareness Month is not just about the Autism community but rather about taking an opportunity to build understanding and knowledge among the whole population and that is just what Knocktemple did this week!
During the course of the afternoon, I spoke to all students in the school from 3rd class up about Autism. I always enjoy doing these talks – when you prepare for them[pullquote_right] it is really easy to underestimate what the children will be able to understand and so there can be a temptation to “dumb everything down” but what amazes me always is how as soon as you finish speaking you are bombarded with the most intelligent questions about the condition from students.[/pullquote_right] They want to know “What causes Autism?”, “How do you know if you have it?”, “”What can be done to make school easier for people with Autism” – some students were even aware of ongoing research into the condition! What makes me most happy though is how they really listen to your advice on what you can do to make people with Autism feel more included and why you should always see the person behind the disability first – no one is born prejudiced or thinking in stereotypes, that’s why these school talks are crucial – we are educating at a young age and can hopefully build a more accepting society by doing that – so please do organise a talk in your own school!
I also got to speak to staff and they too were keen to learn more and find out about the challenges students face in the classroom. At one point there was even super dialogue between staff and students about the challenges of the condition which shows that really understanding Autism is a learning curve for all involved!
After dinner, we capped the day off with the main event of the week – the community information night! The event was packed, with well over 100 people in attendance and there were superb presentations from NEPPS and Enable Ireland, though the highlight by far were 2 presentation – one given by a young person whose brother has Autism and attends the school – she was so forthright and honest about both the challenges and joys of having a brother on the Spectrum and many were emotional after listening. The second was a really well-explained, honest and entertaining presentation from Aaron Hayes, a past pupil of the school with Aspergers Syndrome, he enlightened many about the challenges he faces in school and also had us in stitches at the same time (which is always good at an event like this!).
I was delighted to present for AsIAm.ie and to share our vision of grass-roots led advocacy from the Autism community and a well-informed, understanding Irish society. This was my 3rd visit to Cavan so far, with another scheduled later this month so it is great to really see the county buy into, and support, our efforts.
[pullquote_right]An opportunity to meet and greet those with Autism and there parents, which I always find humbling, was no exception.[/pullquote_right] So many stories of bravery, strength and resilience – they are what makes me want AsIAm.ie to do more and more to help such amazing people, parents and professionals.
What was exhibited in Cavan is something which could take place in every community and school in Ireland, not just in April but throughout any time of the year, learn from this example and do get in touch if you would like AsIAm Support organising an event like this.
Major shout-out to Brian Shiels, Vincent Mulvey, the ASD team in the school and the organising committee for all their work on this event and to Knocktemple NS for its commitment to building an inclusive school.
