I settled in Cambridge 25 years ago, having travelled and lived abroad for many years. My background is in psychology, counselling and project management. I have served as a school governor with responsibility for SEN and enjoyed being Treasurer and Chair of a local PTA charity for many years. I am now a full time mum to my two delightful boys. The youngest has additional needs, including Aspergers, epilepsy and sensory sensitivity.
My own experience is that children with social communication disorders are unable to access most clubs and facilities without a great deal of support or adaptation. We tried Scouts, Martial Arts, Drama classes and holiday clubs with limited success. Being developmentally delayed means my son’s interests and expectations are those of a much younger child so he struggles to fit in. Over time, the social opportunities have dwindled, leaving us feeling adrift from our old community.
When Carla asked me to join her in setting up this group, I knew immediately that it would fill a much-needed gap for my child and many others like him.
When children can choose their own activities and make their own decisions about the extent to which they want to socialise at any given time, the potential for social growth is huge. Sometimes just being around like-minded children in a relaxed and fun environment is all it takes to feel included.
My own experience is that children with social communication disorders are unable to access most clubs and facilities without a great deal of support or adaptation. We tried Scouts, Martial Arts, Drama classes and holiday clubs with limited success. Being developmentally delayed means my son’s interests and expectations are those of a much younger child so he struggles to fit in. Over time, the social opportunities have dwindled, leaving us feeling adrift from our old community.
When Carla asked me to join her in setting up this group, I knew immediately that it would fill a much-needed gap for my child and many others like him.
When children can choose their own activities and make their own decisions about the extent to which they want to socialise at any given time, the potential for social growth is huge. Sometimes just being around like-minded children in a relaxed and fun environment is all it takes to feel included.