Strabane lady leads the fight for autistic children

A STRABANE woman who recently received a business award for her work in the field of autism awareness, has spoken of her delight at receiving the accolade.

Pamela Capriglione (pictured) was awarded third place in the open category in the ’Start Up Launch Pad’ pitching competition run during Derry Strabane Enterprise Week in March, taking home £500 for her busness, Neuro Skillshop.

“I am delighted to have received the award, which will allow Neuro Skillshop to grow and continue to provide the much-needed support for autistic children wherever it is needed. It is something which I am extremely passionate about.”

Detailing her journey with autism, Pamela continued, “I have two autistic siblings, so I grew up with a keen understanding of how to best meet their needs, and I have been using this lived experience for the part 20 years working closely with the autism community. In January 2020, I set up Neuro Skillshop from my home after recognising that there is a desperate need for support for autistic children or who are awaiting a diagnosis of autism, which can leave them waiting years for the help which is so sorely needed. What help is there is vastly out-of-date, which only impacts negatively on the well-being of the autistic child, and I saw the need to redress the balance. I was left shocked at the lack of up-to-date learning resources and techniques.

“Through gentle, therapeutic programmes which I have developed myself, Neuro Skillshop allows parents, teachers and organisations to access the training, resources and hands-on support needed to give their children the best start needed to succeed in a world which doesn’t meet those needs. Through on-site visits and online support, the programmes which Neuro Skillshop delivered are tailored to the individual’s needs, working towards the person they are, rather than attempting to change that person into someone else.”