15 May 2008

Buddy Club for Children with Aspergers Syndrome

Children with aspergers syndrome (a form of autism) from the Craigavon area have been enjoying a Saturday club.

The three month pilot project aimed to give young people with aspergers syndrome the chance to enjoy social and sporting activities that suit their needs.

Eight children aged 7 to 12 years old took part in the club at Taghnevan Youth Club, Lurgan. Eight ‘buddies’ from the Youth Club aged 12 to 15 years also attended to befriend and support the children.

The project was organised by the Southern Health and Social Care Trust, Southern Education and Library Board, Creative Youth Partnership, the Sports Council and a parent.

Eileen Johnston, Specialist Social Worker for children with aspergers syndrome at the Southern Health and Social Care Trust said: “We identified a demand for a structured social outlet for children with aspergers syndrome as they had previously not been able to access activities in the community that were suitable to their needs.

“A team including a social worker, autism family support worker, home care workers, inclusion officer, youth club leaders, artists and sports coaches all worked together to provide this club which would give these children access to fun activities that were also sympathetic to their specific needs.”

Each Saturday, the children took part in arts activities like badge making and clay modeling and sports activities such as boccia, curling, volley ball and golf.

Eileen Johnston added: “The project was a great success with children fully participating in all activities, and enjoying the friendship of the buddies. Each week you could see their confidence growing with lots of smiling faces and laughter.”

One parent commented: "This club is the best thing that ever happened my child" another said: “I could walk away happy, knowing he was in a safe environment, where people understood him" another added "All of a sudden he could interact with other people".

One child said: "I don't want it to stop" and another commented: "I have the best buddy in the world".