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.
Join our community of families to learn and share your experience.
In addition to providing direct support to families, Cottage Autism Network Wexford 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.
C.A.N. CONFERENCE 15th MAY 2022
The board is delighted to be launching the first ever Autism Conference to Wexford and indeed the Southeast. The purpose of the Conference is to not only raise autism awareness in our community but for the people of the Southeast to attend an event and listen to experts in the field, where people can receive information and find resources that they may not of known about previously.
We have secured some highly regarded people in the Autism Community as speakers which include Adam Harris as our keynote speaker. The speakers will cover a range of topics from Assistive Technology, getting an autism diagnosis in adulthood, how to prepare financially for a child with special needs, play therapy, family entitlements and growing up Autistic.
There will also be vendors on the day selling items such as sensory toys, essential oils, visual supports, sensory play dough and also informational stands that may benefit those attending.
We are very thankful to have received support from our main sponsors McCauley Health & Beauty Pharmacy, Celtic Linen and Adam Boyce Carpentry.
Tickets for the conference are €35 plus booking fees. Our members can purchase tickets at a discounted price of €20 plus booking fees. Our members will also receive discounts on purchases from the vendors on the day.
We will be running a raffle on our social media outlets and on the day of the conference. This is to try and generate funds for our charity as the event itself will not be generating any profit.
We appreciate any support from businesses and anyone that would like to donate a raffle prize please get in contact with our chairperson Louise Fitzpatrick on 087 1035 355.
Conference Raffle Results - Congratulations!
| 1 | Signed & Framed Ireland Rugby Jersey | Lucy Moran |
| 2 | Signed & Framed Paul McGrath Ireland Jersey & Soccer Ball | Mary Roche |
| 3 | Signed & Framed Wexford GAA Jersey | Liz Hendy |
| 4 | 2 Nights Bed & Breakfast – Clayton Whites Hotel | Elaine Kinsella |
| 5 | Shaws €100 Voucher | Annette Cahalane |
| 6 | Fine Food Hamper – Greenacres | Eilis Fitzpatrick |
| 7 | Fine Food Hamper – Greenacres | Angela Wilson |
| 8 | Dinner for 2 at La Marine Bistro – Kelly’s Hotel | Nicola Walsh |
| 9 | Framed Hand Drawing of Stag – Sean Fitzpatrick | Marguerite Casey |
| 10 | €100 Voucher Family Membership – Rosslare Community Centre | Sandra Gleeson |
| 11 | €50 Dunnes Voucher | Deirdre Butler |
| 12 | Handmade Tote Bag – Sew Essentially Sue | Sinead Doyle |
| 13 | Beauty Hamper – Grants Pharmacy | Martina Doyle |
| 14 | Beauty Hamper – Hogan’s Faythe Pharmacy | Jenni Curran |
| 15 | Pamper Hamper – Peace & tranquility | Denise Whelan |
| 16 | Jagermeister chiller – The Millennium Bar – Davidstown | Linda Clerkin |
| 17 | Putty Box Set – Little Kneaders | Lochlann and Saoirse Ward |
| 18 | Toy Hamper – Lidl Enniscorthy | Bertha Asple |
| 19 | Toy Hamper – Lidl Enniscorthy | Eilis Fitzpatrick |
| 20 | €30 Voucher & Scarf – Frock Boutique Wexford | Jannett Houghton |
| 21 | €40 Lidl Voucher – Wexford | Martha Ryan |
| 22 | €30 Voucher – Farmer’s Kitchen | Maureen Conway |
| 23 | €20 Voucher – Happy Trails Therapuetic Riding School | Betty Kelly |
| 24 | €20 Voucher – Happy Trails Therapuetic Riding School | Ros Logan |
| 25 | Whiskey set – Londis of Bree | Annette Cahalane |
| 26 | Supersoft Callaway Golf Balls – Rosslare Pro Shop | Jenni Curran |
| 27 | Coffee & Scones for 2 people – Ufucoffee | Gemma Byrne |
| 28 | Bottle of Wine & Box of Chocolates – Top Oil Tomnalosset | Eileen Clancy |
| 29 | Bottle of wine & Crafty Farmer knits | Marie Cheevers |
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.
Click here to download social story.
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 an 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!