Ipads provide an outlet for special needs children

Members of the Clare Special Needs Parents’ Group have launched a new campaign to collect up to 2,000 old mobile phones to help provide IPads for children with a wide range of disabilities.

Having witnessed first hand the benefits an IPad can bring for her son who has Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Catherine Bourke, a mother-of-five, is spearheading a drive to provide some assistance to other parents, who are struggling to cope with this mysterious difficult condition.

Catherine and her husband, Andy, who is a continental truck driver, moved from her native Ballycastle in County Mayo about 18 months ago to make a fresh start with Jack (8) who has ASD and a host of other problems including dyspraxia, dyslexia, sensory processing disorder and developmental delay.

Living in a housing estate  had become too problematic for Jack, who had no real concept of danger and didn’t have a safe place to play.

While Catherine said it was a huge move to move lock stock and barrel to the rural countryside outside Lissycasey, she noted the availability of therapy from Clare Crusaders and respite services from Enable Ireland were key factors in this major decision.

The special needs assistant (SNA) said her new neighbours, some of whom also have children with disabilities, are very supportive and understanding.

Even though Catherine has to look after Daniel (10), T J (7), Paul (6) and baby Alex, who is just six months, particularly when Andy is out of the country on haulage duty, she admits meeting Jack’s needs is what is most challenging and time consuming.

Previously, Jack struggled a lot trying to engage properly with children of his own age. He was determined to play by his own rules and the slightest change in the way a game was played could result in a meltdown. Using an IPad has helped him to make a better connection and interaction with children of his own age.

“We have seen the benefits of having an IPad for Jack. It can be very difficult for parents to come up with between €400  and €600, when they are paying for a wide range of private therapy and interventions for children with special needs.

“The group also hopes to raise public awareness of ASD. Parents should not be suffering on their own. Having a child with ASD can result in social isolation, Catherine said.

Continuing, she said, “People don’t understand when your child has a meltdown in a public place. They assume the child is bold or it is a case of bad parenting, which has nothing to do with it. No one outside the family understands ASD.

“If your child has a physical disability, people can see it, you will get immediate support. Parents have to fight for everything for a child with ASD. It has always been a battle to get access to an SNA or resource hours and it will always be a battle.”

Jack is in first class in Clondrinagh National School, which Catherine describes as “top class” in terms of the efforts made by teachers and staff to help him integrate with other children.

While he struggles with reading and writing, Catherine feels his social skills have improved a great deal thanks to his full participation in school plays and hip hop dancing. With just three children in his class, the small numbers  provides an ideal teaching environment for him.

Catherine recalls she totally blotted out his time from two to four years, which were exceptionally difficult. She found it was the best coping mechanism to deal with what was a very difficult time.

“I remember you could not go anywhere. If you went in the direction of the playground and had to go elsewhere, Jack would have a meltdown. He couldn’t cope with any change. I wouldn’t wish autism on my worst enemy,” Catherine said.

She described how Jack only knows a few emotions like happy, sad and angry. He doesn’t express surprise, which is very hard to teach. 

“Jack’s dream is to be an ice-cream man. He knows he can be an ice-cream man because of his difficulties with reading and writing. That may change in four week’s time. Our goal is to help him to do whatever makes him happy.

Having recently joined the Ennis Voices for Autism (EVA), a support group for parents of children with ASD, she encourages other parents to attend the monthly meetings on the first Thursday of each month in the Auburn Lodge Hotel, Ennis at 7.30 pm.

Anyone wishing to support this campaign can donate mobile phones to the collection boxes in premises around Ennis or by contacting Catherine at 085 110197.