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: bibs@kcl.ac.uk 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