Recreation
It might seem that the school summer holidays are some way off,
but nows the time to plan for that extra support to make it all go
swimmingly, says Mitzi Waltz
Get set for summer
Many parents say they dread the summer holidays. Theres the
difficulty of arranging for out-of-school childcare cover if they
work and the worry of planning a holiday that will be fun for
everyone. When your child happens to have autism, such obstacles
can take the shine off even the brightest summer.
There is help out there to make things easier. This year, see if
one of the summer ideas below will work for you. Theyre tried and
tested by parents, and may help you to discover new ways of
enjoying the school holidays.
Register for respite careThese days, many of us prefer the term
short breaks to respite. Its not so much that we need time away
from a child who has autism as that we occasionally need more time
to concentrate on the needs of any other children we may have. We
may also need to reconnect with our partner or to have a few
worry-free days on our own.
If you have never received respite services from your local
authority, nows the time to get in touch about a Carers Assessment.
Be sure to ask about other support and services, too, as many
families do not receive all the help they are eligible for.
Several organisations, including Barnardos and The National
Autistic Society, can provide independent advice and referrals to
good-quality respite care facilities near you. They can also advise
on how to prepare your
putting out the call to interested students. Usually, the
college or university will be helpful and can even assist students
to obtain their DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.
Often, staff at special schools work as childminders during
their own school holidays. Some of them run holiday schemes on
school premises and there may be one of these near you. Your child
may be
Sun, sea and sand: a great holiday could be in store for you and
your child, too
28 www.autismeye.comAut ism|eye Issue 17 2015 www.autismeye.com
29Aut ism|eye Issue 17 2015
child for this change of pace and place. The right centre with
the right preparation should be a real break for them as well as
you, offering interesting activities and a chance to make new
friends. For older children and teens, respite can provide a first
learning opportunity about being away from home.
Informal help Using a respite facility isnt possible for every
family, but the need for an occasional break is still there. Many
families worry about leaving a child who has autism with a friend
or relative who is less familiar with the condition or with the
youngsters particular needs.
If there is someone close to you who is willing but unsure that
they could cope, consider having them come to spend some time with
your child. It could be just an hour at first, then an afternoon,
then maybe an overnight stay with you nearby. Build up to the
possibility of a weekend (or week) away from you.
You may also be able to help grandparents, other family members
or family friends access short training courses in advance, and
come up with extra support in the form of people they can call if
needed.
Finding childcareIf youre worried about finding childcare during
school breaks that will welcome and provide good care for children
with ASD, youre not alone. Disability-specific childcare is scarce
and can be costly. Start with your local
authoritys Family Information Service (see Resources on the next
page for contact details). It can help link you with registered
childminders in your area. The list will include childcare centres,
as well as people who can work in your home.
Since it can be difficult to find a childminder with experience
and understanding in caring for children with autism, another
option
is to develop your own. If you live near a university or college
that runs education or care courses, you have a fantastic resource
on your doorstep. Students entering these fields are often looking
for experience: indeed, students who hope to pursue initial teacher
training (ITT) courses usually must have some experience of working
with children. Get in touch with course leaders and ask about
If you live near a university or
college that runs education or care courses, you have a
fantastic resource on your doorstep
welcome even if he or she is not a student at that particular
school.
You could also check with any autism- or disability-focused
volunteer groups locally. They may know of people who would be
willing to help.
It can be difficult to find a single person who is willing and
able to cover full-time childcare, but you may be able to patch
together a combination of care. Parent-run childcare co-ops, where
a group of parents get together and split up the childcare duties,
are a good idea and are popular in the US. Starting one with other
autism parents should ensure an easier time for all.
Home or community?If youre able to stay at home during school
breaks, thats fantastic. It can be an important time for bonding
with your child and supporting him or her to get involved in
enjoyable new activities.
Barnardos is one of several organisations that can provide
support for disabled children who want to access community-based
activities, such as swim centres. Your local authority may also
have access schemes. Gyms, youth clubs and activity-based clubs for
example, getting involved with the local Warhammer playing club or
a railway enthusiasts group are all possibilities.
As with childcare, a nearby college or university may be
able
to provide referrals to students who are looking for experience
in working with disabled people. They could give you the extra pair
of hands you may need to make real inclusion in the community
possible.
Family holidaysFinally, dont assume that family holidays are off
the menu when you have a child with autism. There are a number of
holiday providers that would be happy to work with you to make sure
the whole family has a safe and happy vacation.
Renting a caravan or holiday chalet (or a villa, should you be
so lucky) is a popular option. It provides a bit of space between
your family and the noise and crowds, and makes it a bit easier to
maintain at least some of your childs important routines. Think in
advance about making sure as many familiar things as possible come
along with you: everyday clothing, favourite toys and videos, and a
firm daily schedule so that your child knows what to expect.
You may want to visit the holiday site in advance if its not far
away, or use photos, videos and brochures to prepare over a period
of time before the big getaway.
www.autismeye.com 31Aut ism|eye Issue 17 2015
Recreation
ResourcesRespite care l Autism London respite centres list:
www.autismlondon.org.uk/pdf-files/factsheets/013_Respite_Care_London.pdfl
Barnardos respite care programme:
www.barnardos.org.uk/what_we_do/our_work/disability-short-breaks.html
National Autistic Society respite care centres:
www.autism.org.uk/respitel Short Breaks Network:
www.shortbreaksnetwork.org.uk/Unfortunately, this fantastic
organisation, which gives advice about services right across the
UK, is closing at the end of March. Until then, its website offers
a wealth of information and contacts, including helpful guides for
potential in-home carers.l If you live in Northern Ireland and have
problems getting a Carers Assessment, contact the Law Centre:
www.lawcentreni.orgChildcarel Family Information Services:
www.gov.uk/find-registered-childminderl After-school and Holiday
Clubs: www.gov.uk/after-school-holiday-clubl Disclosure and Barring
Service:
www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-servicel
How to start a babysitting co-op:
www.frugal-mama.com/2010/02/how-to-start-a-babysitting-co-op-part-1/Holiday
planningl NAS list of autism-friendly holiday spots:
www.autism.org.uk/living-with-autism/out-and-about/holidays-and-days-out/holidays-autism-friendly-venues.aspxl
From an outdoor activity centre on the Isle of Skye to a hotel by
beachside Blackpool, there are some great options available from
providers who cater for disabled people and their families.l The
Holiday Survival Guide for Children with Autism:
www.researchautism.org/resources/newsletters/archives/documents/HolidaySurvivalGuidefor
ChildrenwithAutism.pdf
Brain Imaging In Babies (BIBS) Are you pregnant or have you or
your partner recently given birth?
Do you or your partner have Autism or ADHD? Do you have a child
at home with Autism or ADHD?
Help us understand how your babys brain develops before and
after birth
CONTACT Dr. Grainne McAlonan or a member of the BIBS team Tel:
0207 848 0829 / 0207 848 0861 E-mail: [email protected] NREC
12/LO/2017
Michael Crabtree
Dr Mitzi Waltz is an
associate lecturer in
autism studies at the
Autism Centre of
Sheffield Hallam
University, as well
as an autism and
disability consultant
Many families do not receive help
they are eligible for