AUthenTISM is a new respite programme for neurodivergent children aged three to twelve with special educational needs
A Belfast woman is launching a new respite summer scheme for children with additional needs, which aims to provide a safe space for youngsters to make friends and enjoy themselves.
AUthenTISM is a new respite programme for neurodivergent children aged three to twelve with special educational needs, set up by Sharon Lyttle. It is due to officially launch at the end of June with a series of summer schemes.
She has worked with SEN children for a number of years with a variety of different projects and has now decided to set up their own group that will help children make friends and develop while also giving their parents a bit of a break and support during the summer.
Speaking to Belfast Live, Sharon said they have received a lot of interest from parents about AUthenTISM but still have a number of places available for their schemes. These include weeks for children aged three to seven and eight to twelve, with there also being friendship groups to support homeschooled children and transition groups to help children moving from primary to secondary school.
They said: “We know the pressures that parents and children can face in accessing respite services and are hoping to let as many people know about the summer schemes that we will have available this year. Our aim is to be available whenever children are off school, moving forward, and we will offer a safe space for children to have fun and make friends.
“We have worked with children with additional needs on programmes like this for years and felt that we could set up something on our own that could provide respite to families in need.
“We will be working out of Ballygomartin Baptist Church and will officially launch on June 29. We have dozens of children who have already signed up, but we still have space for lots more, and we are currently in the process of ensuring that we are able to accept respite direct payments.
“There are still a few weeks for parents to get in touch if they are interested in this years summer schemes and we are aiming to create a safe and fun space for neurodivergent children of all abilities.”
If you would like more information about AUthenTISM please visit their Facebook page.
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