Schools Out!

Hello everyone

With the schools about to break up for the summer holidays, we know that routines are going to be changed and, for some people with autism, this can cause some distress and uncertainty. We have a full newsletter on handy tips and autism-friendly days out to get through the next six weeks, not only for children but plenty for adults with autism to take part in too.

We also wish to thank everyone that came along and support our recent Summer Fun Day at Thornton Hough Village Hall; we had our biggest turn out and the weather was perfect! we hope you had lots of fun checking out our branded bus, meeting the owls and seeing some special performances by Professor Bunsen.

Now time to plan the next one!

What have we got on?

We have plenty of activities you can take part in, right across the summer at many different venues. Further details are below and keep checking our Facebook page for regular updates over the next few weeks.

Port Sunlight River Park –

Bromborough Pool Garden Centre – open 7 days a week, this is an incredibly welcoming and autism-friendly environment. Be sure to make a visit this summer. They currently have a BIG sale on all summer plants, plus a great café with homemade cakes, toasties and a variety of hot drinks and lunch deals.

Children & Family Service – We have some additional summer clubs happening over the summer as well as our usual Rainbow Groups.

  • Rainbow Groups (0-8 years) – Monday at Bromborough Children’s Centre from 3:30 – 5:00pm (closed bank holiday).
  • Friday’s at Brassey Gardens Children’s Centre in Birkenhead from 9:30 – 11:00am. All sessions are free, no need to book just turn up on the day and siblings are welcome.
  • Summer Clubs (8-13 year olds), held at Woodchurch Road Primary School on Tuesday mornings from 10am-12noon. Different activities including arts and crafts, computers, games and friendship. £7.50 pp – booking required, see link below.
  • Summer Clubs (14-18 year olds), held at Woodchurch Road Primary School on Tuesday afternoons from 1-3pm. Different activities including arts and crafts, computers, games and friendship. £7.50 pp – booking required, see link below.
  • Teenage Be-friending group (14-18 year olds), held at Woodchurch Road Primary School on Wednesday afternoons from 1-3pm. Group for shared activities between teens and to encourage friendships. £7.50 pp – booking required, see link below.

To book your places on the clubs listed above, CLICK HERE

Merseyside Autistic Adult Support

If you’re over the age of 16 and looking for more adult support locally, please get in touch with Merseyside Autistic Adult Support Group. Mainly based on Facebook, they have twice-monthly meetings and/or a monthly trip out locally. It’s a great way to meet other like-minded people and be in an understanding environment. This is open to anyone with a formal diagnosis or even self-diagnosed, all are welcome.

Their next trip out will be on Tuesday, 23rd July from 12:45-2:30pm at New Ferry Butterfly Park. For further details on this trip and to find out more, please follow the link below to their Facebook page:

www.facebook.com/pg/merseysideautisticadults

Flying Abroad?

Did you know that most airports now offer additional help and support when flying with a person with autism? Below are website links to various airports with details on what they offer, most provide visuals to show what is going to happen and special lanyards to assist passengers through security. Also, don’t forget to get in touch with your travel provider to see if they can do more and remember to check out the airport for your return journey too.

John Lennon Airport, Liverpool (one of our autism champions!)

Manchester Airport

Gatwick Airport

Birmingham Airport

Heathrow Airport

Autism-Friendly Days Out

We’ve tried to gather as much information as we can find on things you can do over the summer, which has been advertised as autism-friendly or inclusive. If you know of any more, please share them to our social media sites for everyone to see!

Chester Zoo – Pokemon Go & Predators

This special event is being held on Thursday, 25th July from 6-8:30pm and priced at £10 per person. Not a specific autism-friendly evening, but Chester Zoo is one of our autism champions. This special evening session is a zoo-wide game of Pokemon Go. Zoo rangers will also be running a number of predator-themed activities and there will be face painting and a BBQ. For further details follow the link below:
https://www.chesterzoo.org/events/pokemon-play-predators/?fbclid=IwAR3_BdRYcMAWPjGp6OF2TU7WQrEt1GZYDe788Lk2NuxNiDDL3e7JNrmuJoE

Liverpool Museums

There are a number of relaxed morning sessions held at all Liverpool Museums, including art play sessions. You do not need to book onto these and they take place during quieter times. Most of the museums also have handy visual guides you can print off and use too!
For the full listings of what’s on and where, follow this link:
http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/events/autism-friendly-listings.aspx

Liverpool Indoor Funfair, Exhibition Centre in Liverpool

Over 20 attractions for all ages including dodgems, funhouse, ghost train, inflatable play centre and many more! They will be running a special autism-friendly session on Tuesday, 27th August from 10am-1pm; music will be turned down, ride lights switched off and rides slowed where possible. Entry is £10 for riders and £2 for spectators – riders’ entry gets you unlimited goes on attractions for 3 hours!
To book your space, follow the link below:
https://www.exhibitioncentreliverpool.com/indoor-funfair

Spring City, Liverpool

Autism-friendly trampolining takes place every Sunday 10-11am and every Thursday 6-8pm. One of our very own Autism Champions, these sessions offer you the chance to bounce as a family in area that understands your needs.
https://springcity.co.uk/sessions/spring-inclusive

Air Unlimited, Liverpool

Autism-friendly sessions take place every Monday from 6-8pm. You can bounce for 2 hours for just £6.50 and it’s free for parents and carers; there are complimentary refreshments for jumpers and designated quiet rooms also available. Pre-booking is recommended as these sessions are very popular.
https://www.airunlimited.co.uk/activity/air-autism/

SC2 Rhyl – Waterpark

The main waterpark is suitable for all ages and abilities; there are a number of different water slides, splash areas and interactive attractions for everyone. Then there is Tag Active which is a multi-level play area with timed activity zones to test your skill, fitness and bravery. They are now hosting autism-friendly sessions every Friday from 4-5:30pm with free carers passes. Check out all the details and what this place has to offer on the link below.
https://sc2rhyl.co.uk/

Cheshire Ice Cream Farm

 Will now be hosting regular autism-friendly sessions that will take place on the first Saturday of each month. Their next session will be on Saturday, 3rd August from 5:30-7:30pm.

Cinema Screenings

Autism-friendly cinema screenings are great for the whole family. The volume is lowered in the theatre, the lights are raised and there are no adverts before the film – it goes straight to the main feature. Most cinemas offer discounted tickets and all cinemas accept CEA Cards.

Vue Cinema, Birkenhead & Cheshire Oaks – will be showing Missing Link on Sunday, 28th July at 10:15am.

Showcase Cinema, Liverpool – will be showing The Lion King on Sunday, 11th August at 10am.

FACT Cinema, Liverpool – will be showing Strike on Sunday, 28th July at 11:30am.

Odeon Cinema, Bromborough & Liverpool – will be showing The Lion King on Sunday, 28th July at 10:15am.

AccessAble Website/Phone App

This is a great website that has over 10,000 venues across the UK and Ireland including shops, restaurants, train stations, hospitals, attractions and so much more. It gives you a full accessibility guide to each site with details including wheelchair access, eating/drinking, level flooring, changing areas, and more, all with handy photos so you can have a look before you go! Great if you are travelling within the UK.

https://www.accessable.co.uk/

Summer Reading

Looking for something to read whilst enjoying your holidays this year? Below is a selection of great books all relating to the autism-spectrum and something for everyone, if you have a good book, let us know!

Toast: Autism in the Early Years by Alice Boardman
There are questions Alice wanted to ask when her sons were diagnosed with autism. Feeling alone, feeling lost, she set out to find the answers. It brings the real life experience of the early years together in an easy-to-read question and answer style.

My Son’s Not Rainman by John Williams – John Williams is a stand-up comedian. He is also a single father and full-time carer for his son, who has autism and cerebral palsy. This is their heart-warming story.

The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida – Naoki was only 13 when this was written and provides a rare insight into the behavior of a child with autism. Using a question and answer format, he explains things like why he talks loudly or repeats the same questions and why he likes to jump.

An Adult with an Autism Diagnosis; a guide for the newly diagnosed, by Gillian Drew – the author draws on personal experiences to provide positive advice on dealing with life, health and relationships following an adult diagnosis.