b'DISENLIAM WITH HIS MOM SYLVIAThanks to a grassroots effort by parents in the Galway area, Galway Autism Partnership isproviding support and information to families and individuals affected by autism spectrumdisorders.Galway Autism Partnership (GAP) was formed in 2011 by parental volunteers andsince then has increased access to services and provided a roadmap to families who once feltisolated and alone in their struggle to navigate the journey of the autism spectrum.GAP now runs afterschool clubs, youth cafes for ages 11-14 and 14-18, summer camps,information workshops, and a monthly sensory-friendly cinema club where families canenjoy films in a sensitive environment. Assistance dogs are welcome and children are freeto move around. The Youth Cafes have been successful in creating safe and nurturing spaces whereyoung people on the autism spectrum can find camaraderie and explore different interests.It is the members of the cafes who drive the agenda with opportunities for participants toshare their interests whether they be film, computers, music or animation. Many people onthe autistic spectrum have a particular hobby or interest that they are passionate about. So ata time when all teenagers struggle with acceptance and identity, the chance to shine andshare has been a game-changing experience for the teenagers with autism that attend. It was difficult at first socializing. And then when I entered here it just all changedcompletely, explains Liam Weldon, one of the teens that attends the GAP Youth Cafes.Now, its just a new me. Liams mom Sylvia confirms the changes that GAP has brought toLiam and her family. It used to be he would walk around after school and come home. Nowhes got a better social life than any of us. He has loads of friends now, absolutely loads. Hestransformed. Liam now works with younger children who attend GAP and has become amentor for many who see his progress.A hallmark of GAP is that they acknowledge and support families and individuals on allparts of the autism spectrum. They are clear that they are not offering therapy services, butfamily support. Its extremely challenging trying to facilitate everybody on the spectrum,says Miriam. But we make a really good go of that. Its not about one type of autism. Its notabout my childrens autism, its about recognizing all of the aspects and so we have learnedso much about each others autism. Galway Autism Partnership receives no funding from the state and relies entirely onfundraising and donations. Support from The Ireland Funds sustained the Youth Cafes program for a portion of 2013. With 3 part-time staff and a team of 45 volunteers, GAP continues to create awareness in local schools, support families with resources and localinformation, and most importantly, create a space for young people where they can simplybe themselves and be affirmed. I had no friends in primary school, except for one,remembersDisenCoughlin,GAPYouthCafsParticipant.WhenIfirstcamehereit reinforced my understanding that I like to be by myself. I was always just trying not to bemyself most of the time, because it mostly got me bullied in school. Here, I can be me.And so today, families in Galway such as Miriams never have to leave a diagnosis with nothing but pamphlets and unanswered questions. The minute you leave with yourdiagnosis, Galway Autism Partnership has established the networks, says Miriam. Its notthe end of the world.IMSTILLHERE.IMSTILLALIVE.ICANSTILLGETUPINTHEMORNING. ITS A NEW COMMUNITY.connect2014 | 25'