Ms Ger Kenny:

I thank the Cathaoirleach. I would like to speak about two topics: PLAN and Little Seeds Arch Club.

PLAN is parent-led autism network. It was set up by me in 2018 following a meeting I had with Tusla. There are high numbers of children being diagnosed, particularly in Dublin 15, and with long waiting lists for services, Tusla wanted me to source professionals to give free talks to parents on all topics autism related. This initiative is funded by the agency. Another parent and I book professionals, such as professors, OTs, speech and language therapists, to give the talks. These talks are usually on a Tuesday at 7 p.m. We alternate the talks between the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 and on Zoom. Topics have included puberty autism in girls, anxiety, diet, transition into primary and secondary school, autism and food, etc. All talks are advertised on our Facebook page. We have more than 2,700 people on Facebook reaching out to parents, now nationwide.

Parents really enjoy the evening when we have our talks in the Crowne Plaza Hotel. A cuppa, a biscuit and a warm welcome awaits. Parents get to chat and make connections with other parents who understand what it is like to raise a child who is autistic. Parents are grateful to have the opportunity to listen to a professional speak. They can ask the professional a question after the presentation and presentation slides are emailed to attendees afterwards.

Following on from the huge success of PLAN Dublin 15, we have also replicated PLAN in Dublin 5, 13 and 17, and in Balbriggan, over the past two years. All their talks are on Zoom, usually once a month. They have also been a great success.

I hope in the near future to see a PLAN rolled out nationwide, in each county. It would not be expensive to roll out and would just need a Zoom licence and payment of the professional fee. Here is hoping.

My youngest child, Mark, who is sitting beside me, is autistic. When he was growing up, there were no clubs for him to attend in Dublin 15. I met another parent, Rosaleen, who is also attending this meeting, whose son Darragh is also autistic. We had the same vision and passion to create a fun and safe club for our boys to attend each week, giving our boys and our members the best chance of living independently or semi-independently in the future. Almost ten years ago, therefore, we set up Little Seeds Arch Club for children and teens with autism in Dublin 15. We affiliated to Arch, the national charity for children and adults with additional needs, for our charity number and insurance. We started with just seven children and we now have 89 members, from ages three to 23. We practise life skills, living skills, social skills, mental health and well-being. Six groups of children meet over four evenings each week. We employ professionals to work with our children such as occupational therapists, OTs, a yoga and well-being teacher, a music therapist and a play therapist. Activities include learning to cycle and equestrian therapy. Our OTs help with gross and fine motor skills and the professionals talk to our teens about their autism diagnosis, friendships, bullying and puberty. Community gardaí have provided stranger danger and drug awareness talks. Our members learn to cook, shop, travel on a bus, play bowling and basketball, practise yoga and so on. Last September, we launched Little Seeds autism therapy services for our members. So far, our members have availed of music therapy, play therapy, sibling workshops, fine motor skills and art and well-being classes. We do our own fundraising activities, such as parachute jumping and dinner dances, and we are able, therefore, to subsidise all the activities for our members, which eases the financial pressure for our parents. We are incredibly proud of Little Seeds Arch Club and of all our members have achieved, and we are excited for the years ahead.

One year ago, I set up a well-being autism support group, which meets once a month. This is timeout for our mams to come together and have a cuppa, a chat and chocolate cake. Over the past year, we have had hair and makeup classes, Zumba, reflexology, yoga and well-being, afternoon tea in the Carlton Hotel and a spa day in Dunboyne Castle. It is so important we look after one another. You cannot pour from an empty cup. In the past year, I have helped parents set up their own social club in their area. New clubs have started in Athlone, Tipperary, Clondalkin, Drumcondra and Dublin 15, while other areas are in the early stages of planning, such as Drogheda, Dundalk and Artane. It has been fantastic to see, given there is significant need for these clubs throughout Ireland. We believe our children should have the same opportunities and be given the same chance in life, as other children.