Real Lives: Parenting an Autistic Child in Ireland with Miriam Kenny

Parenting an Autistic Child in Ireland with Miriam Kenny

Understanding autism is made a whole lot easier during this warming chat with Miriam Kenny.  Miriam is first and foremost mother to a wonderful ten year old autistic Son.  In addition to that Miriam has a background in education and health.  She has combined all of these super powers by becoming founder of Involve Autism Dublin 6 Dublin 6W.  Miriam is a pleasure to speak with about parenting an autistic child in Ireland.

Understanding Autism – Why you should have a listen!

This episode is absolutely packed with amazing information to help identify and understand autism.  Miriam explains why she has ended up fighting for the rights of her child and many more in a similar situation who were left without an appropriate school placement in their local community. I was lucky to be able to pin Miriam down for a chat because she is so incredibly busy advocating on behalf of her own and many autistic children.  Miriam has made huge progress with the support and partnership of her husband,  Involve Autism parents, peers and friends.

The questions we all need the answers to, but might be afraid to ask.

Understanding autism is difficult, this is mainly because it presents differently in every adult and every child who is autistic. Just like every human, diversity exists and individuality must be recognised and valued.  I learnt that here are however, many common traits which may help with the identification of autism.  Here we discuss them all and how they effect young or older children.  We also answer the basic question – What is autism?When or why do children have to have an assessment of need if autism is suspected? Can our children not access support without it? Where do I even start to find out about what supports are available for my child?  All of these questions and more are answered by Miriam.Most importantly, Miriam shares some of the really useful resources she has come across on her parenting journey.  These can be helpful to parents who have not yet received confirmation of autism or for those who are trying to support their autistic child.

Resources about Autism

• AsIAm – AsIAm Is Ireland’s National Autism Charity.
• Autism Mamaí Ireland – Facebook Group for Parents of Autistic Children.
• Autism Families Ireland – Group is about helping and supporting each other and Vent if needed….Autistic persons, Parents, Teachers, SNAs , Grandparents, Brothers, Sisters and so on are all welcome.
• Inclusion Ireland – The National Association for People with an Intellectual Disability.
• Involve Autism D6, D6W and Surrounds Facebook page.
• Involve Autism D6, D6w and Surrounds Instagram page.
• Middletown Centre for Autism – Support the promotion of excellence throughout Northern Ireland and Ireland in the education of children and young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders
• National Autistic Society UK – A highly informative UK based resource.

Involving Autism within our Communities

We chat about the absolute importance of all children playing a valued role within our communities.  Miriam explains that this is the basis for her frustration, children are routinely sent by bus or taxi to another community to access an appropriate education.  What hope does an autistic child have of successfully belonging within their community if they are excluded from it from the age of diagnosis.  This is not an acceptable way to deliver the right to education and it is not an acceptable social standard to tolerate.   There are differences in communication means and in developmental norms, but there are no differences in the right to feel valued and safe within your community.  We can and simply must do better!

Some Communities have gotten it right!

Miriam highlights the amazing achievements of some communities to provide a supportive framework and platform for autistic children, adults, and their families. Cottage Autism Network Wexford   and Galway Autism Partnership are prime examples.  There are sporting clubs nationwide making an effort to provide an environment where autistic kids can feel secure and enjoy sport.  This allows them to benefit both their mental and physical wellbeing.  Miriam mentioned Ranelagh Rockets but a quick google search brough up lists on AsIAm and many more local clubs progressing towards a more inclusive environment.

Challenging, Daunting and Support is Key

If you cannot find a support network in your area, see if there are any facebook groups such as the ones above which may be able to guide you in the right direction!  Miriam and her team have made significant improvements, especially in the area of education, in her local area  There is of course the potential for parents to start advocating within their own locality.  It's not for everyone and it certainly doesn't sound easy.  Parents of autistic children should not need to fight so hard and I am sad for our society that the needs of these vulnerable families have not been met.  As Miriam says, reach out, find support and there really is always hope.  You, and your children, are valued and all children deserve to belong.  Thank you for listening to Parenting an Autistic Child in Ireland with Miriam Kenny.

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