Cottage Autism Network Wexford CLG. (CAN) is a voluntary organisation based in Co. Wexford since 2004. CAN is a registered charity (CHY18103) with the Charities Regulator.
Our Mission
Cottage Autism Network aims to improve the quality of life of families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder by providing support, promoting equality and inclusion as well as raising awareness in the community by being a voice for our members. (CAN Strategic Plan, 2015-2016)
Join our community of families to learn and share your experience.
In addition to providing direct support to families, Cottage Autism Network CLG. aims to create awareness in the local community. Annually, we organise events to raise awareness and encourage organisations and businesses to Light It Up Blue on April 2nd to mark World Autism Awareness Day.
DID YOU KNOW?
Autism is a developmental disability that remains with a person for his or her whole life. This condition affects the brain’s functions. The first signs usually appear before a child is three years old.
Autism affects girls and boys of all races and in all geographic regions and has a large impact on children, their families, communities and societies. The prevalence is currently rising in many countries around the world.
Activities
The following are a sample of activities run by CAN during the year and these are subject to change. All our children’s activities create opportunities for those attending to develop their communication skills, social skills and to make new friends. Please get in contact for up to date details regarding activities available and also to book a place (places are limited).
Regular Coffee Morning
On hold due to Covid
Open to both CAN members and non–members.
These are open to parents, carers and extended family members that would like to connect with others who have a child/family member with autism. Get in contact to find our next date.
Soccer 4 Fun
FAI Coaches work with small groups (max 10 per group) to develop the children’s/young people’s soccer skills. Small groups ensure that each child has the opportunity to participate at their own pace. These groups are open to both children with autism and their siblings. The coaches have experience of working with children who are both verbal and non-verbal and they work with each child to ensure their maximum participation.
Saturday mornings from 11AM to 1PM at Clonard hall.
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Little Friends Social Group
On hold due to covid restrictions
This group is aimed at children aged 3-5 yrs who are awaiting diagnosis or have been diagnosed with ASD. The group do activities such as art, craft, sensory play, movement and games. The group size is limited to six children per session and it is suitable for children who are non – verbal/pre-verbal/verbal. Parents have the opportunity to meet other parents, who are in similar position.
Activities During School Holidays
CAN organises a range of activities and events outside of term time. These include camps such as surfing and soccer as well as gaming days and family events.
Lego
On hold due to covid restrictions
There is a lego club running at the moment based in Brickz 4 Kids in Wexford town. This helps children in learnig through fun.
The Aims are: Developing Imagination, Creativity, Social skills, Problem solving, Sharing, teamwork, Build, Create, Achieve, Sociability and Self Asteem. (Places Are limited)
Workshops
Information sessions run during the year for parents and professionals on a range of topics.
Coding and Gaming
On hold due to covid restrictions
Our weekly Coding classes are run in association with TekCentral, which are based in The Allied Hub near Clonard.
Coding is a basic Literacy skill in the current Digital climate. This is important for children to understand and to be able to interact with technology around them from a young age. There is a high demand for for workers in the Tech industry, so mastering coding at a young age allows our children to excel.
Tekcentral will provide all equipment, the weekly sessions are held for kids with ASD and their siblings aged 7+yrs.
Horse Riding
We offer horse riding lessons as well as therapeutic horse riding.
Railway yard gallops is based Duncormick for regular equine sessions.
Therapeutic horse riding is based in Davidstown, Enniscorthy and involves and all over personal equine experience.
Horse riding has been recognised to improve children’s physical, emotional and social skills, and is also a fun activity!