HOME
 FAQ
 CALENDAR
 WEB LINKS
 CONTACT US

Laois Offaly Families for Autism
 

A local parents support group

for the families of children and adults with autism

sharing information and experiences

offering an understanding environment and

opportunities to meet others living in similar circumstances
home questions calendar contact us

Welcome

Laois Offaly Families for Autism is a local support group for the parents and families of children and adults with autism.

We exist to provide support, encouragement and information for those whose lives are affected by autism.

We actively campaign to raise awareness of autism in our area and seek health, educational and support services that are appropriate to meet the needs of our children and adults with autism.

LOFFA Information Day enjoyed by all.

An information day for parents, families, carers and teachers of children and adults with autism was held in the Tullamore Court Hotel on Saturday 25th November.

A special word of thanks to our very informative speakers; Denzil Jacobs Occupational Therapist, Marian Lawless Speech and Language Therapist, Claire Lacey, Psychologist, Western Care and Dr Penny Rogers Consultant Clinical psychologist.

This was the first time that the group held such an event and not only was it informative and practical it also gave families and carers a chance to meet and talk.

Based on feedback from many who attended it is hoped that similar events will become part of our calender.

Congratulations

Congratulations to the Ballinamere-OSSE Special Olympics team that recently competed in the Special Olympics Leinster Athletics Tournament held at the Tullamore Harriers Grounds.

Representing Ballinamere N.S. our athletes excelled in the 4 x 100 relay and won gold and silver respectively in the Softball and tennis ball throw events.

Well done also to the Autism Centre teachers, SNAs, and Special Olympics volunteers who helped make the day such a sucess.

Visit to Lourdes

39 children and adults enjoyed a very happy four days in Lourdes from 14th to 17th of September 2007. Many thanks to all who gave so generously to sponsoring this event.

Irish Autism Action (IAA)

The national autism umbrella group run by parents for parents. Kevin Whelan C.E.O. and team are based in Mullingar and can be contacted at (044) 931609 or
e-mail: info@autismireland.ie

IAA campaigns actively to create awareness of Autism and advocates for services and support that meet the individual needs of children and adults with Autism.

IAA produce a regular newsletter which includes news from autism groups around the country, useful autism information and notice of educational and fundraising events.

Click Contact Us for details.

LOFFA Monthly Meeting

Laois Offaly Families for Autism (LOFFA) meet on the first Tuesday of every month alternating between Tullamore Court Hotel and O'Loughlin's Portlaoise.

Our next meeting after the Summer break will be on Tuesday 4th September 2007 at 8.30pm in Tullamore Court Hotel.

Assistance Dogs for Families of children with Autism Programme

The Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind programme providing Assitance Dogs for families of children with autism is now in its third year and 25 families have trained with an Assistnance Dog.

The main function of the dog is to help keep the child safe but many parents also report other benefites such as improvement in the child's behaviour due to the interaction between the child and dog and the reassurance of the dog's presence.

The Irish Guide dogs for the Blind training capacity for assistnace dogs is limited to approximately 20 dogs per year but they are building up their supply of dogs and training additional staff in order to be in a position to increase training capacity in the future.

For more information about the Assistance Dogs Programme and the criteria for acceptance contact Cliodhna Ni Laoghaire, Client Services Administrator on (021) 4878200 or lo-call 1850 506300 or for on-line information or if you would like to make a donation, visit www.guidedogs.ie

Special Olympics Ireland - a place for everyone

A local Special Olympics network group are working to set up Special Olympics clubs in Offaly.

Special Olympics aims to provide year round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of sports for children and adults with a learning disability.

If interested contact Mary Mulvin, Regional Network Officer, Leinster at 087 - 8251488 or for more information click www.specialolympics.ie

Education   Education   Education

“For children with autism education represents a lot more than a basic right.

Education is necessary to compensate for the great difficulties, which people with autism have in extracting meaning from simple experiences, something most other people are capable of without specific educational support, and to attain the highest possible level of self-sufficiency.

Education is the only way children with autism can learn all the things that other children learn so easily by themselves and it is only through lifelong education that people with autism will be able to maximise their participation in the world from early infancy to adulthood.”

Autism Europe 1993
LOFFA is not responsible for the content on external Internet websites.