Child and Family Support Programme

Our Child and Family Support Programme supports Autistic children, teenagers and families. It provides a safe and secure space where they can connect and share their interests and experiences, and where they can have their needs acknowledged. These spaces are relaxed, fun, and show our community that they should never be afraid to ask for adjustments to meet their needs!

How to Register

If your family is interested in being part of the AsIAm Child and Family Support programme, you must register.

Once you have registered, you will be provided with access to a booking page where you can book any suitable support. For any queries regarding the programme of supports, please contact the Child and Family Support team at family@asiam.ie

What families have said:

Daniel's Experience at Lego:
Daniel really enjoyed himself at Lego. It is the first time he has attended any social activity outside school without me so it is a huge step forward for him.

Amie and the Teen Hangout Group:
The groups have had a profound impact on Amie, especially her love for the Teen Hangout group. Discovering people with common interests has been life-changing for her. Last Thursday, she declared it the "best day" of her life, forming a connection with another teen named Kirsty. Despite struggling to communicate with anyone in school, Amie thrives in these groups.

Amie's Journey to Acceptance:
‍After attending a teen meet-up last summer, where she was initially quiet and mainly observed, Amie expressed feeling a sense of belonging and pride in being autistic. She willingly joined an autism class, returned to school after two years of homeschooling, and hasn't missed a day since. Despite encountering negative comments about the autism class, Amie approached her SNA and teachers, urging them to address the situation and protect her class, which feels like family.

Liam's Confidence Boost:
‍Liam thoroughly enjoyed the group session yesterday evening, resulting in a significant boost in his confidence. This positive experience motivated him to enter his school class this morning for the first time in about six weeks, even if only for ten minutes. Despite the brevity, it represents substantial progress. Liam is hopeful about building on this in the coming week. Witnessing Liam's joyful face coming out of the group nearly brought tears of joy. He is not only proud of himself for managing some time in school today but is also eager to attempt attending a full class.

For Parents

We currently offer the following support groups for parents.

Empower and Educate
‍Empower and Educate is an online six week programme for parents/guardians of recently diagnosed Autistic children. The programme aims to support families in the areas of understanding the Autistic experience, communication, sensory processing, legal rights and education.

Register here to join our next programme.

For Children and Teenagers

Hangout Clubs
Current age groups:
9-12 and 13-17

Lego Club
Current age groups:
9-12 and 13-17
Location:
Blackrock

Little Fitness Club
‍Current age groups:
3-6 and 7-10
Location:
Cabra (Dublin), Ballymun (Dublin)

Coding Club
Register to receive emails with upcoming dates, times & locations or email family@asiam.ie

Unearthing History Club
‍Register to receive emails with upcoming dates, times & locations or email family@asiam.ie

Sisters and Brothers Club
‍Current age groups:
8-12 and 13-17
Location:
Blackrock (Dublin)

Nintendo Club
Current age groups:
9-12 and 13-17
Location:
Online

Looking After Me
‍Current age groups:
13-17
Location:
Online

Dungeon & Dragon Club
‍Current age groups:
9-12 and 13-17
Location:
Online

Nintendo Club
‍Current age groups:
9-12 and 13-17
Location:
Online

AAC Support Programme

Same Chance to Communicate

AsIAm are delighted to be supporting individuals and families to make communication systems more accessible and provide an alternative pathway for Autistic people who may benefit from AAC. The AAC Support Programme aims to provide high tech communication devices as well as supports, information and guidance on AAC devices to the Autism community and their families.

Criteria to access this programme:

Your child has been diagnosed as Autistic
Your child is living in Ireland
Your child is under 18 years of age
Your child has a communication difference and could benefit from a high-tech communication device.
Your child is non-speaking OR uses minimal words or phrases AND relies on non-speaking forms of communication as their primary way to communicate (i.e. vocalisations, gestures, facial expressions, sign, visuals)
Your child does not currently have access to a high tech communication device.

The AAC support programme will run three separate referral processes:

AsIAm's AAC Support Programme is for families who are not currently working with a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT). Here families attend a series of live webinars and 1:1 sessions with our AAC Team to better understand their child's communication preferences, and to support in setting up their chosen AAC device.Families are provided with a managed Communication device and are supported to choose and trial a communication app.
AsIAm’s Device Funded Scheme is for families already engaged with a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT), who has supported the child and their family with AAC assessment and AAC device trial. AAC assessment, feature matching and device trials have been completed and there is clear rationale and evidence for which communication device is the best fit for the child.
AsIAm’s Trial and Keep Scheme is for families who ARE working with a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) and do not know what communication device or app their child needs. The child can trial our communication device with the communication app of the families/SLT’s choice. If the trial goes well, the child can keep the device.

**For both Trial and Keep and the Device funded Schemes, the families' Speech and Language Therapist is responsible for supporting the family on their AAC Journey**

How do I know which stream is right for my child?

Answer these simple questions to find the right referral stream for your child:

Resources
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