A specialist project for children in Edinburgh and East Lothian with autism to benefit the development of their social interactions and communication skills has received a £5000 boost from Aberdeen Standard Investments Charitable Foundation.
Lothian Autistic Society will provide valuable learning activities for autistic children who are more inclined to struggle during their learning experience at school – not because of inability – but because of a different learning style not generally encouraged through mainstream education.
In 2017, the National Statistics Office reported 411,638 children in primary school – aged between 5 to 11 – were on the autistic spectrum in Scotland. Often perceived as different, children with autism risk becoming victims of exclusion at their own school and local community.
The donation received from Aberdeen Standard Investments Charitable Foundation will allow the charity to run their ‘Grow, Play’ project for 20 children across Edinburgh and the East Lothian region.
The programme for the project, set to run for 6 months, is designed in a highly stimulating way whereby learning is delivered through play activities and is for children.
Trustee at the Lothian Autistic Society Mike Penny says: “Like all children, children with autism have a strong need to play, make friends and develop their social skills. However, they face specific challenges in this regard and are more prone to isolation, especially because mainstream activities are often completely inaccessible.”
The specialised activities of the ‘Grow, Play’ project will enable trained staff to identify motivators for active participation in play activities that can help develop the children’s communication skills. The programme will continue to work on these skills, reducing a child’s risks of isolation which can have detrimental effects, posing a challenge when building and maintaining relationships with others.
Caring for a child with autism also places a strain on the child’s family and the project will also be providing assistance to all family members affected. It can be a highly emotional and stressful experience for such parents, as well as siblings. Without a strong support system, it can be very difficult to cope with meeting both the needs of the child with autism and the needs of the rest of the family members.
Mike Penny adds: “Our project directly supports the community of families affected by autism, including parents and siblings of those with autism. Autism can be an isolating experience for all members of the family as attention becomes focused on the child with autism and barriers, such as behavioural difficulties, can make simple daily life activities highly challenging. Bringing together families affected by autism helps create a community of support and opportunities.”
Since 1992, the Lothian Autistic Society has been working with young people with autism. Apart from projects targeting specific age groups, the charity also organises activities – from social clubs for the families to sport activities – whilst also acting as a central point for information and practical support to these young people, their family members and carers.
Claire Drummond head of charitable giving for Aberdeen Standard Investments said: “This project seeks to protect and improve the wellbeing of children on the autism spectrum. The ‘Grow, Play’ project is also extending its support to the families of these children who often need help and guidance when raising a child with autism, which is a laudable initiative towards establishing an accessible support group for the community of families affected by autism.”
The Aberdeen Standard Investments Charitable Foundation was established in 2012 to formalise and develop the Group’s charitable giving globally. The Foundation seeks partnerships with smaller charities around the world, where funds can be seen to have a meaningful and measurable impact. It encourages its employees to use their time and skills to support its charitable projects.
For more information visit
http://aboutus.aberdeen-asset.com/en/aboutus/responsible-business/aberdeen-charitable
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