Local parents call for enhanced autism support services

A LOCAL mother has expressed distress over her son’s 18-month absence from school due to the lack of appropriate support for his Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Nicola McKenna is just one of a number of frustrated parents in the Omagh district who say the absence of an ASD unit in the area has left their children without an education.

The Sixmilecross woman spoke out in the wake of Autism Awareness Day on Tuesday, a global initiative aimed at raising awareness and advocating for the rights of individuals with autism.

She told the UH, “My son hasn’t been in school for 18 months, and won’t even leave the house now – it really feels like a losing battle.”

Nicola’s son did not qualify for Arvalee School and Resource Centre and as a result attended Drumragh Integrated College. However, he found himself unable to cope within the confines of mainstream education, particularly as Covid-19 restrictions eased, exacerbating sensory issues and social anxieties

“He went to Drumragh Integrated and they really were brilliant and tried to make him as comfortable as they could,” said Nicola.

“His first two years at the school were fine because it was in the midst of Covid so everyone was in their bubbles and he found that easier to manage.

“But when the Covid-19 restrictions relaxed, my son began facing a great deal of sensory issues due to moving from class-to-class.”

Nicola says that her son experienced “particular anxiety” walking in through the main entrance of the school.

“We tried everything, we tried taking him in through the back door into an empty classroom but it only made him feel more embarrassed and judged,” she added..

“Now he won’t even come out of his room at all – he’s completely isolated.”

The absence of an ASD unit in the Omagh area exacerbates the plight of families like Nicola’s, compelling them to seek alternative educational placements outside the town, some involving arduous journeys spanning up to 50 miles.

‘NIGHTMARE’

Nicola described her son’s situation as a “complete nightmare” as he isn’t receiving an education and can’t socialise with peers. “Every child is entitled to education and shouldn’t have to travel as far as 50 miles to receive it,” she stated.

“Unless an ASD unit comes to Omagh how will kids cope in the future?

“There are lots of local families suffering the same problem and unless something is done their children will not receive appropriate education close to home.”

Nicola continued, “Omagh really needs a specialist unit in mainstream education for autistic kids who struggle with transitions, experience stress and disorientation when attending school.

“It should be a place where they feel safe with a dedicated teacher who knows their needs – because every child is different.”

Colleen Breen, an Omagh mother who has two daughters diagnosed with autism, echoed Nicola’s sentiments, emphasising the necessity for increased ASD provision in the local area.

She highlighted the struggles her daughters faced in attending school due to social anxiety and bullying, exacerbated by the absence of adequate support services.

“For every parent of a child with autism you really have to fight their corner yourself – because there is no guidance or support readily available,” she said.

“My first daughter missed two years of school and my youngest daughter hasn’t attended school since Christmas time. It’s not about lack of ability with her, it’s just social anxiety preventing her from going to school – she can’t cope with large groups.”

Voicing how crucial an ASD unit would be for the local area, Colleen added, “There are so many local kids with autism who need these services.

“An ASD unit would be so beneficial for them. Kids with autism would thrive if they could socialise and learn in a safe and supportive environment amongst other like-minded children.”

‘Not alone’

Nicola McKenna has stressed the need for unity among parents in advocating for change and ensuring that no child is left without access to education and support tailored to their needs.

“I want other parents to know they aren’t on their own,” she said. “We do have to come together and have a united voice on the issue. We need a ASD unit here in Omagh otherwise a lot of children will be left without an education.

“I know changes won’t come in my son’s time in education, but I really hope they come for the sake of other parents who find themselves in similar situations in the future.”