Clare Autism Network is a new umbrella group for two Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) groups in Clare – the West Clare Voices for Autism (WCVA) and the Ennis Voices for Autism (EVA).
Ennis Voices for Autism was founded last February after a number of Ennis parents of children with ASD travelled back to listen to a number of talks and events in West Clare organised by the West Clare Voices for Autism.
With the help of Lily O’Donoghue from the Clare Local Development Company, EVA was set up as a support and information forum for parents of children whose children are experiencing severe difficulties accessing appropriate services and information to deal with this difficult and complex condition.
The group is delighted that a group of secondary school students and teachers in Clare are willing to climb Kilimanjaro to raise badly needed funds that will benefit Clare children with ASD.
At a recent meeting of EVA, it was decided that the proceeds of the forthcoming fund raising trip to South Africa should be allocated to all the fully functioning ASD units in the county.
It is expected a minimum allocation of €1,000 could be given to each unit and the remainder will then be probably split on a pro rata basis per pupil.
The group has stipulated the money can only be spent on extra-curricular activities and education for children who have an ASD diagnosis or who are on a waiting list for ASD.
Once again, the group would like to record our appreciation and sincere thanks to all the participating schools and students who have given up their free time for this worthy cause.
It would also appreciate if people throughout the Mid-West would support any of the fund raising activities being undertaken by the participating schools.
MEETING TIMES
EVA meets on the first Thursday of every month in the West County Hotel, Ennis at 7.30 pm. All parents who have children with ASD or any form or developmental delay are welcome to attend.
Carmen, who runs a horse riding school in Drumcliffe, gave a presentation about the services she provides and particularly the benefits for children with ASD at the May meeting of EVA.
According to Carmel, it helps children with ASD by improving balance, muscle tone, concentration and relaxation. She favours the use of large horses as she believes they are safer and walks along by the side of the horse.
ENNIS VOICES FOR AUTISM
CONTACT
Chairman: Dan Danaher 065 6864148
Secretary: Gearoid Mannion 065 6824211
