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.
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.
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
Register with us
Register here to join our progamme
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:
The AAC support programme will run three separate referral processes:
How do I know which stream is right for my child?
Answer these simple questions to find the right referral stream for your child:
If you feel that the AAC Support Programme could be right for your child, please fill out this expression of interest form.