SIMPLE, small gestures can make a huge difference to a family with a child who has autism.
That is the message from the Fermanagh branch of Autism NI as the organisation marks Autism Awareness month this April.
Last Thursday families were able to enjoy a special adapted version of the Tom Duffy circus while it was in town. It was a first for Northern Ireland, And thanks to the success of the show in Fermanagh, another has been scheduled for Londonderry soon.
Treasurer of Autism NI’s Fermanagh branch, Catherine Boyle, was one of the parents who attended the sensory show with her son, Gary, who has autism, and daughter, Taylor.
“It was a great success,” she says, “The sensory screening was actually very relaxing for a circus. Obviously there were less people there which helped. It was less noisy. And whereas there had been a lot of flashing lights and effects as the acts were on stage on the Monday night show, there was none of that for the Thursday version.”
The show had been organised thanks to another Fermanagh mum, Wendy Conlin, whose autistic daughter, Keira, has a great love for the circus.
“Wendy had found it very difficult finding activities that her children could enjoy together,” Catherine explains, “She had brought them all to the circus and had found the staff were so good and accommodating towards her children’s needs. She would now travel to see the circus wherever it may be.”
A special gesture from circus staff also helped to convince Keira to wear her dress for her Communion. “Wendy contacted staff from the circus and they sent a video to her phone telling Keira they couldn’t wait to see her in her dress after her communion,” says Catherine, “That was enough to encourage her to put the dress on -- just a simple, small gesture that made such a difference.”
Catherine would like to see more businesses take the time to consider how they could accommodate families with children who have autism.
“Some stores offer a ‘quiet time’ where families can make an appointment and come in when it is less busy and less noisy. I know a food store in Banbridge is also trialling a ‘quiet time’ in their shop -- no loud announcements, the lights aren’t so bright, and there are plenty of staff on the tills to ensure families can get in and out quickly.
“Those small adjustments can make such a difference to families. The thing about autism is that it is an ‘invisible disability’. You can’t tell by looking at a child that they have it, and and nobody really knows how to help you. When Gary was younger there were plenty of meltdowns in the food aisles while you are trying to push the trolley around.
“Even just having a staff member who could come over to help you while you carry your child around. And I know that something as simple as the the hum of the meat counter can be a sensory overload for some children -- but you nor I would even notice that noise at all. I think as a parent, all any of us would want is to see more of those small steps being made to help children with autism integrate into society and enjoy as many experiences as any other child.”