Irish Autism Action

RTÉ Radio Player: Radio Just Got Easier

George O'Carroll and Isobel Dunne, siblings of children with special needs, talk about Sibshops with Ryan Tubridy.

Forgotten siblings: living with a sibling with special needs

Sibshops, such as the one in Drogheda for children aged seven to 13, are an initiative of Irish Autism Action (IAA). They are led by Olive Whelan, who trained at St Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, in 2011 to deliver this sibling-support programme. For more information on Sibshops, contact Olive Whelan on 086 886 9446 or email okwhelan@gmail.com

Is good diction now fiction? Good speech is as important as reading and writing. How can we encourage children and young people to take pride in their speech? By reading aloud Standing up nice and straight When they speak, they must be heard and understood If Children/young people cannot communicate their ideas verbally, how do they get their point across. Speaking clearly with good diction and caring for your voice is life long. We use and need our voices for life. Vocal fitness is very important to enhance the quality of your speaking voice, so that your listener can enjoy a pleasant easy to listen to voice. It adds to the communication experience.

What's the difference between social anxiety and shyness? Social anxiety is persistent worry about being embarrassed in situations with other people. Shyness involves being very uneasy around others but they don't experience huge anxiety. They feel self conscious and don't know what to say. Often it is more related to difficulty in speaking ie not talking and remaining silent. Olive

Timeline Photos

The children and young people attending the social anxiety workshops will be given tools for use in life to help manage anxiety. More info: http://on.fb.me/1obZgbC

Timeline Photos

The children and young people attending the social anxiety workshops will be given tools for use in life to help manage anxiety. More info: http://on.fb.me/1obZgbC

Social Anxiety Programme, Mullingar, Feb 25th.

What can parents do for children suffering from anxiety?

“Anxious children and teens often possess great imaginations that are usually working against them to fuel their worries. With a few simple techniques, you can show them how to employ their imagination positively to overcome the anxiety that bothers them.” Arcticle from Feb 2015.

Timeline Photos

The Speak Well Programme incorporates effective social communication, Junior Toastmasters, speaking confidently and communicating with friends. More info: http://on.fb.me/1nJjetP

Timeline Photos

The children and young people attending the social anxiety workshops will be given tools for use in life to help manage anxiety. More info: http://on.fb.me/1PaleFY

Speak Well Programme Jan 2016