Autism News and Events from the Louth & Meath area

The inaugural ABACAS five a side tournament will be held in the Drogheda Leisure Centre @ 3.00pm on Saturday 17th November

Sibling workshop for brothers and sisters of children with a disability

Support Group Meeting, Teenage Drama Group and Sibshop Workshops

Sibshop Sibling workshops for brothers and sisters of children with special needs.

Return of alternate evening and morning support group meetings

Sibshops are fun workshops for brothers and sisters of children with disabilities facilitated by a trained Drama Therapist.

Please find current Autism Support Louth&Meath Newsletter attached

We are very pleased to announce that the Irish Family Planning Organisation have offered to run their "Speakeasy Plus" course in Drogheda. The course is aimed at parents of children with disabilities entering or going through puberty, and young teenagers, and explores issues around their changing bodies, sexuality and how to help them deal with these issues.

SIBSHOPS SIBLING WORKSHOPS – for siblings of children with Autism and Special Needs Autism Support Louth&Meath are very pleased to facilitate some further workshops for siblings of children with autism or other disabilities. The next Sibshops date is Saturday March 25th from 3.30pm-5.00pm

A short workshop and discussion regarding benefits, entitlements and relevant tax credits affecting people with disabilities and their families

Sibshops are best described as opportunities for brothers and sisters of children with special health and developmental needs to obtain peer support and education within a recreational context. Sibshops are lively, pedal-to-the-metal celebrations of the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of children with special needs. Sibshops acknowledge that being the brother or sister of a person with special needs is for some a good thing, others a not-so-good thing, and for many somewhere in between.

Drogheda ABACAS School have tickets for sale for the Matinee of the Wizard of Drog on Sun 15th January @ 3.00pm. If you purchase the tickets from us this raises funds for the Drogheda ABACAS School. Adult €15 , Child €10 or Family €45. Please contact Jacinta on 087 240 7431 or jacintawalsh1@gmail.com

Sibshops are best described as opportunities for brothers and sisters of children with special health and developmental needs to obtain peer support and education within a recreational context. Sibshops are lively, pedal-to-the-metal celebrations of the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of children with special needs. Sibshops acknowledge that being the brother or sister of a person with special needs is for some a good thing, others a not-so-good thing, and for many somewhere in between.

Wed 21st September – 7.00pm Parent Talk by Psychologist Shane Martin – Moodwatchers THE PSYCHOLOGY OF BOUNCIBILITY – How to build resilience within ourselves One reality about this life is the inevitability of experiencing challenge and crisis as part of the journey. Stress within our homes and communities has increased significantly in recent years. We need to know how to stay strong, how to 'box cleverly' during challenges and how to protect our health. Resilience is the ability to adapt to the challenges of life. It’s about bouncing back rather than falling apart. Science has uncovered specific traits/factors linked to better outcomes during periods of challenge. These can be utilised at work and within our lives in general to make us more resilient.

a series of 3 talks on how best to support your child in a behaviour outburst, how to stay safe and how to move forward after an incident delivered by Teresa King and Sonia Callaghan

Autism Louth&Meath & Drogheda ABACAS School for Children with Autism & Complex Needs are pleased to be able to offer four free training sessions for parents, carers, teachers and SNAs covering a number of practical topics. The courses will be delivered by Catriona Connolly BCBA the Director of Education in Drogheda ABACAS. These courses are open to all (ie not just parents or staff from ABACAS). There are four courses over four weeks, two hours per session. The sessions are linked so it is better if you can attend all four but ok if you have to miss one. Certificates of attendance will be available.

Fun, Interactive, Drama based workshop for siblings of children with autism or special needs facilitated by a trained professional.

The next Sibshop will be held in Drogheda ABACAS School on Sat 30th April at 3.30 to 5.00pm. Siblings of children with autism or any disability are welcome to these fun drama based interactive workshops. Age range 7 -13

Strictly Come Dancing Fundraiser in aid of Drogheda ABACAS School for Children with Autism and the Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre on Wed March 16th in the TLT theatre Drogheda.

Sibshops are fun interactive workshops for brothers and sisters of children with special needs facilitated by a trained Drama therapist. Age range 7-13ish. All Welcome

How to set personal goals and self coach to achieve them”– Free Life Coaching Talk for parents and carers of children/adults with special needs by Brendan Bradley. Many people make new year resolutions but only 8% stick to them or are in any way successful. This is even more difficult for parents of people with special needs. This talk is geared towards this group and the speaker is very familiar and understands this background.

Sat 28th Nov 2015 - Bingo in Drogheda Town Football Club, Marian Park, Drogheda @ 8.30. Proceeds to ABACAS and Autism Support Louth&Meath.

Sibshop - fun drama based interactive workshop for siblings of children with disabilities facilitated by a trained experienced professional - Sat 28th November 2015 @ 3.30 in the Drogheda ABACAS School, Congress Avenue, Drogheda. All Welcome

Coffee Morning meet up @ 10.30 on Thur 12 November in the Bagel Bar, Laurence Centre Drogheda. All parents very welcome to drop in to this casual meet up.

Staff required to support a young boy aged 14 with autism who will shortly be undergoing serious kidney and heart operations in Crumlin followed by a period of recuperation at home in Dundalk

Amergin Artist's and ABACAS school for children with Autism are holding an auction of original portraits of our "Local Heros" in St., Peters Church of Ireland, Peter St., on Friday 18th September at 7 p.m. (cheese and wine reception) All proceeds in aid of the ABACAS school. Your support will be very much appreciated.

This is a talk on living with a child or adult with challenging behaviour. The talk will cover topics such as dealing with meltdowns in public places , how to be confident about going out again, minding your mental health, how to set boundaries and when to break them. This talk will be delivered by two professionals who have worked in this area for the past 20 years and one of whom is the parent of a child with autism. Talk is free of charge and open to all.

Lisa Domican a parent of two teenagers with autism created the Grace App to help her daughter Grace communicate. Grace App is a picture exchange app which helps people with autism or special needs improve their communication.

Sibling workshop for brothers and sisters of children with special needs. Fun, drama based, interactive workshop delivered by a trained facilitator.

Inclusion Ireland, Down Syndrome Ireland and Irish Autism Action are working to inform families and find out the issues for families through the ‘Connect Family Network’. We are in the process of going around the country to meet local family groups. Drogheda Meeting September 8th 11.00am - 1.00am Barbican Centre

Sibshops are fun drama based interactive workshops for siblings of children and adults with autism or special needs

Free course on Ipad and Apps for families and people working with Autism and Special Needs. This is a continuation of Ipad 1.1 but you can attend this course if you have not done the previous course.

Ipad and Apps 1.1 - Free training course particularly aimed at families of or working with children or adults with Special Needs - June 9th @ 10.00am to 12.00pm in Drogheda ABACAS School

Seminar - Direct Payments and using them to employ your own personal assistants ? Free Morning Seminar to discuss Direct Payments and how they can work.

Coffee Morning and Bake Sale on Friday the 24th April @ 10.30 in the Loaves and Fishes, Holy Family Community Centre, Ballsgrove, Drogheda, Co Louth. All proceeds in aid of Drogheda ABACAS School and Autism Support Louth&Meath Youth Clubs

Please see the link below for a number of free training courses for parents, carers, teachers, tutors, SNAs and support staff.

SIBSHOP - is a fun drama based interactive workshop for siblings of people with autism or special needs led by a qualified drama therapist. Age Group 7 - 13. All Welcome. Donation of €5 requested

World Autism Day 2015 - April 2nd. - Spinathon in the Town Centre Drogheda @ 3.00pm on Thur April 2nd.

Are you "tough as nails for autism". Please take your blue nail selfie, post it on facebook or twitter and donate €4 to Irish Autism Action by texting "April" to 50300

Please sign this petition to repeal the Lunacy Act

Autism Support Louth&Meath would like to invite all parents to a support group coffee morning meeting on Thur March 26th @ 10.30 in the Holy Family Community Centre in Drogheda.

Training on Supported Self-Directed Living (SSCL) for family members, supported individuals and professionals.

Autism Support Louth&Meath invite all parents to an open meeting to discuss Activities for Children with Autism and Special Needs and also a talk on Post Schools Options by Mark O'Connor from Inclusion Ireland

Sibshops Sibling Workshops for siblings of children with Autism and Special Needs age group 7 - 13 All Welcome

SIBSHOP Sibling Workshop for brothers and sisters of children with autism or special needs

Christmas Cards in aid of Drogheda ABACAS School for Children with Autism €5 per pack of 6. Sketch of new school premises in Congress Avenue by well known local artist Richard Moore

ABACAS receives €500 from the Tesco Community Fund - Thanks to all who voted for us

Upcoming Autism events and training

Free ipad training for parents and carers of children or adults with autism or special needs, teachers or special needs assistants.

Useful article about Autism

Sensory Friendly Film in Arc Cinema, Drogheda on Sunday 26th October @ 12.05pm.

Dirty Paws Dog Grooming in Clogherhead have very kindly offered us one free Assistance Dog grooming session per month. This is a very generous offer which will help families with Assistance Dogs very much. If you would like to book your dog in please contact Aidan on 086 382 2438 to arrange an appointment. If he cannot accommodate you in the current month you will be booked in for the following month

Autism Support Louth&Meath are delighted to host Sarah Lennon from Inclusion Ireland who will deliver a Wills Workshop on Monday 13th October in Drogheda ABACAS School for Children with Autism.

Denzil, an occupational therapist who works with Children with Autism is running 12 Marathons in 12 Counties in 12 Days in August - Drogheda August 26th

Please nominate ABACAS Drogheda in the Tesco Community Fund to help us raise funds for a special needs playground

Houses purchased, constructed or adapted to suit the needs of a person with a disability in receipt of DCA/DA may apply to be exempt from Property Tax

A sibshop sibling workshop is on Sat the 26th of July 2014 from 11-1pm in the Drogheda ABACAS School for Children with Autism, Mallard House, 13 Fair Street, Drogheda, Co. Louth. A nominal donation of €5 is requested on the day

Sibshop sibling workshop in on Saturday the 24th May 2014 from 3-5pm in the Droghedas ABACAS School for children with Autism, Mallard House, 13 Fair street, Drogheda, Co. Louth. A nominal fee of €5 is requested.

Fantastic Prizes donated for Coffee Morning Raffle in aid of Children with Autism in Drogheda

Coffee Morning / Bake Sale is on Friday 11th April at 10am in the Westcourt Hotel, Drogheda. Everyone Welcome

Team ABACAS is reforming for the 2014 Boyne 10K on May 4th 2014, West Street Drogheda. Help us raise funds for children with Autism

Sibshop Sibling Workshops is on Saturday 29th March from 3-5pm in the Drogheda ABACAS School for children with Autism, Mallard House, 13 Fair Street, Drogheda, Co. Louth. A nominal donation of €5 is requested.

Free ipad training on Saturday 29th March from 9.30-5.30pm a one day intensive course in An Cuan, Colaiste Na Hinse, Bettystown, Co. Meath.

The Irish Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research (ICAN)are looking for participants and would appreciate your help.

Workshops for families of all children and young adults with autism or special needs but particularly useful for those who may be leaving school or have recently left school.

First Doctoral level training in Behaviour Analysis in Ireland and the UK, conferring eligibility for the Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) qualification, Closing date for Applications 20th June 2014.

Free ipad training on Sat 22nd March 2014 from 9.30am to 6.00pm in Scoil Mhuire, Wexford. A one day intensive course.

ipad training on Sat 8th Mar from 9.30 am to 5.00pm in The Four Seasons Hotel, Monaghan Town, Co. Monaghan. A contribution of €20 to cover room hire and lunch.

Free ipad training on Sat 29th Mar from 9.30am to 5.00pm in Knocktemple National School, Virginia, Co. Cavan. One day intensive course.

Free-ipad training on Saturday 8th march from 10.00 - 5.00pm in the Open Spectrum Group, Taney Parish Hall, Dundrum.

The merging of the senses in Autism: developing communication skills in the face of multisensory integration deficits. Talk by Prof John Foxe on 7th March at 7pm at the Jonathan Swift Theatre, Trinity College Dublin.

Dr. Peter Vermeulen, One day Event on ASD and Relationships: Psycho-Education Strategies for Teens and Adults, taking place on Thursday 6th March from 9.30am to 3.30pm in Camden Court Hotel, Dublin. Cost €40 (€30 for PSI members).

Taking Control Workshop on Thursday the 27th Feb 2014 from 9.30pm to 4pm in the Louth Leader Partnership Community Offices, Partnership Court,Dundalk.

Free Challenging Behaviour Workshop on Sat 22nd of March @ 10.00 to 1.00pm in Drogheda ABACAS School for Children with Autism, 13 Fair Street, Drogheda, Co. Louth.

Free Early Intervention workshop on Wed 26th of February @ 7.30pm to 9.00pm

Sibshop Sibling Workshop Saturday the 22nd February @ 1.00pm to 3.00pm for agegroup 7-13 years in the Drogheda ABACAS School for Children with Autism, 13 Fair St. Drogheda.

Course: Autism And Post Primary School Issues: post primary and transition to work. For Parents 28th Jan 2014 from 11-1pm, For professional 28th Jan 2014 from 4pm-6pm in the Colaiste Pobail Setanta, Phibblestown, Dublin. Closing date: Fri the 24th Jan @ 1pm.

Public Consultation Meeting on the 28th January 2014 @ 7pm in NUI Galway to discuss the establishment of the Irish Autism Registry and Biobank(www.iarb.ie). This meeting is hosted by the Irish Centre for Autism and neurodevelopmental Research in partnerhsip with Trinity College Dublin and Autism Speaks.

Sibshop for 7-13 agegroup taking place on Saturday the 25th of Jan 2014 @ 3.00 to 4.30pm in Drogheda ABACAS School.

Free I-Pad training for your group which can be run from February to May 2014 in your area. Please contact info@autismsupportlouth.com with any queries.

Workshop on making a will are taking place on Tuesday the 11th from 10-1pm and Saturday 22nd from 10-1pm at Inclusion Ireland, unit 2, the Steelworks, Foley St, Dublin 1.

19th Jan 2013 Peter Pan Pantomime at the TLT - Matinee. Panto tickets in aid of Drogheda ABACAS School for Children with Autism. Prices Adults €15, Children €10 or Family €45.

Christmas Coffee Morning for all families affected by Autism in Sage & Stone Duleek on Tue 17th December @ 10.30. All Welcome

The Lisa Callan & Friends Foundation is delighted to announce a wonderful charity event A Downton Abbey themed Christmas Party will be held in Ballymagarvey Village on Saturday the 7th December in aid of Drogheda ABACAS School for Children with Autism and the Philippines Appeal.

One Day Introduction to ABA Course - Working with Children with Autism in the Home or Classroom - Saturday 30th November 2013

Vacancy for a manager on a 2 year fixed term contract in a new community based day activity service for young adults with Autism, Intellectual Disability and Autism

Free ipad training for Parents,Teachers,SNAs in association with the Benefit 4 funding from the Department of Communications.

Free ipad training course starting Monday 7th October in Drogheda ABACAS School, Fair St.

Daisychain Hotel Breaks now available for Carers

Autism Support Louth in conjunction with Irish Autism Action have been successful in a grant application under the Benefit IIII grant heading to supply ipad training to beginners and improvers.

Sibshops are fun interactive workshops led by a qualified Drama therapist specially trained in working with siblings of children with Autism.

Five go to Westport

Golden Sands 5k, Fun Run and Family Day on Sat August 31st on Bettystown Beach. Drogheda ABACAS School for Children with Autism are the Charity Partner for this fantastic family event with chipped run.

IAA SIBSHOP Sibling Workshop for brothers and sisters of children with autism to be held in Drogheda ABACAS School for Children with Autism on Sat July 20th @ 3.00pm. Agegroup 8 - 13

Clinical Director Recruitment Ad Drogheda ABACAS School

Autism Support Louth&Meath Coffee Morning Wed 19th June @ 10.30am , MiCasa, Laurence Centre, Drogheda

The next Sibshop date is Sat 20th July. Times 3.00 to 4.30 in ABACAS, Fair St, Drogheda

Class starting tonight for the over 18 youth club members in Capacity Building and Organisation being run by the VEC adult education service in conjunction with Autism Support Louth&Meath

Boyne 10K Sunday 5th May 2013 TEAM ABACAS all set and raring to go.

Faces of Autism is a collaboration of professional photographers across Ireland volunteering their time to do free photoshoots for children with autism.

#DojoCon 2013 is being held in Slane Castle on April 13/14 2013. Autism Support Louth have been chosen as the charity to benefit from ticket sales at the conference this year.

Autism Support Group Meeting. Two speakers - Enda Dodd developer of Animated Language Learning using Disney Films to promote language and Andrea Hermes of Walk with you Peer Programme for the 16 - 24 agegroup. All welcome to attend

Drogheda ABACAS School for Children with Autism are delighted to be the Charity Partner for the 2013 Boyne 10k. We are 10 years old this year and hope to encourage as many people as possible to run. jog or walk the Boyne 10k as part of TEAM ABACAS.

Parent Input needed into research into Respite Provision for children with autism and the impact on families of respite/lack of respite

The next Sibling Workshop will be on Saturday 11 May in the Drogheda ABACAS School for Children with Autism , Fair St, Drogheda

Drogheda ABACAS School for Children with Autism are delighted to be the Charity Partner for the Boyne 10 k on 5th May 2013. All funds raised for Drogheda ABACAS School will go towards fitting out a special needs playground and sensory room in our new premises in Congress Avenue School

Public talk and presentation by Fiona Wilson developer of image2talk which is a functional communication app using real images.

Further dates for Sibshops the support workshops for children with Autism in conjunction with Irish Autism Action

Drogheda Pantomime Society proudly present Snow White in the TLT. We have tickets for matinee performance on Sun 20th Jan @ 3.00pm in aid of Drogheda ABACAS School for Children with Autism and Autism Support Louth Youth Clubs

Autism Support Louth would like to invite you to our Christmas Coffee Morning on Thursday 13th December at 10.30 in MiCasa, Laurence Centre, Drogheda. All welcome to pop in and have a mince pie !!!

Special Needs friendly cinema showing of Madagascar Sunday 9th December at 12.00am in Drogheda Omniplex. All welcome .

Sibshop - sibling workshops for brothers and sisters of children with autism

The Bubblegum Club have given 20 child tickets for children with Autism and their siblings for their annual Winterwonderland held this year in Castletown-Geoghegan Co Westmeath on Sunday 16th November from 10.00am to 1.00pm

We have tickets for the Drogheda Pantomime Society production of Snow White in the TLT at 3.00pm on Sun 20th January. Five euro from each ticket sold donated towards Autism Support Louth and Drogheda ABACAS School

Its all happening today. We have the ipad for special needs course being delivered by Jen from Irish Autism Action, also the 5th Sibshop sibling workshop in ABACAS in the afternoon and three youth clubs going on throughout the day.

Workshops for brothers and sisters of children with autism helping them explore and discuss their life with a sibling with Autism

Workshops for siblings of children with Autism, which are opportunities for brothers and sisters of children with special health and developmental needs to obtain peer-to-peer support and educational within an educational context.

a one day iPad training course for parents/carers/teachers/snas working with children with special needs.

Support Group Meeting Thursday 18th October 2012 Mi Casa Laurence Centre, Drogheda at 10.30 am

White Collar Boxing - Saturday 29th September 2012 - Boyne Valley Hotel Drogheda with donations going to Drogheda ABACAS School for Children with Autism and Autism Support Louth

All Things Baby Fair - Sun 23 September - City North Hotel, M1, Drogheda. We were delighted to be the charity of choice at the All Things Baby Fair on Sunday in City North Hotel. www.allthingsbaby.ie

Bagpackers wanted to help at our bag pack in M&S in Drogheda on 28/29/30 September - All help welcome please contact Jacinta on 087 240 7431

Autism Support Louth and Drogheda ABACAS School will have an information stand at the All Things Baby Fair on Sunday 23rd September in the City North Hotel

Self Advocacy Course delivered through the VEC adult education programme to empower and support parents to advocate for their child and their family.

Autism Support Louth are delighted to announce that we have been successful in our application to run a Self Advocacy Fetac Level 3 course for our members.

Autism Support Louth in conjunction with Irish Autism Action are very pleased to facilitate a number of workshops for siblings of children with autism in July in Drogheda.

Autism Support Louth / Meath monthly meeting June 20th @ 8.30pm in Donegans

Autism Support Group Meeting Thur 17th May @ 10.30 am

Table Quiz in Byrnes Pub, Hill St, Dundalk on Fri 18th May @ 9pm

Autism Support Louth Meath Meeting April 18th @ 8.30pm in Donegans ( The Monasterboice Inn). All are welcome to pop in and have a chat.

We are looking for volunteers to run, jog or walk the Boyne 10K in aid of Autism Support Louth and the Drogheda ABACAS School please contact us on 087 240 7431. Registration, Sponsor Packs and v snazzy running vests will be supplied

The Irish Autism Action low cost counselling service has now started at Drogheda ABACAS on Tuesday evenings. There are a couple of slots available. If you are interested please contact Yvonne on 086 8142293 or counselling@autismireland.ie

Autism Support Louth gave a presentation in conjunction with Irish Autism Action at a public meeting in the Red Cow on Monday 5th March. We are working in conjunction with IAA, SPNA and Inclusion Ireland to try and make some progress on this issue.

Introduction to dealing with Challenging Behaviour in a Primary Classroom or Childcare Setting one day course for people working in schools or childcare settings. Saturday March 24th 2012 at Drogheda ABACAS School.

Find out about our fundraising activities both from the recent past & near future. We are always looking for volunteers to lend a hand.

We will hold our annual bucket collection on Friday 30th March in Drogheda. This event is usually a great success for us and it is important that as many people as possible help. If you can help at all please do. The more people we have out collecting really helps. Contact me to sign up.