‘Born to Stand Out’ night offers unique experience for Limerick children

“Just be your unique, individual, wonderful self".

THE words of city man Keith Enright, who co-founded the Limerick Autism Group (LAG) which has grown from supporting only a handful of people to having almost 200 families coming to them for help.

At a special launch night, for World Autism Day (which takes place Tuesday, April 2) children with autism and their parents were allowed to mingle and enjoy face-painting, a sensory room, balloon modelling and fun from Giggles Entertainment, alongside Mickey and Minnie mouse in Thomond Park.

LAG events provide a safe place for children to be themselves, and this year the group has taken to heart the ‘Born to Stand Out’ challenge. The challenge seeks to gain acceptance and understand for those with developmental disorder like autism and to highlight issues that affect children and parents.

“It’s the first time the challenge has been widely publicised. The idea of the challenge is to promote individuality. It doesn’t matter whether you have autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia or whatever. You can still be involved. It’s a chance to relax, have fun and be individual,” Keith said.

Asked what he hoped people would take from the Thomond Park night, he added: “We hope they realise that it is okay to stand out. It’s okay to be an individual. That you don’t have to fit into society. You can be completely different and it is still okay.”

Sadly, there is still a bit problem in schools in that children are often tormented and bullied if they do break from the norm.

It’s something which Keith - whose own 15-year-old son Joey who has autism - says breaks his heart.

“It’s because they are seen as being different. We are trying to change the perception on that. If everybody is different, than nobody is different. Everybody is an individual,” he said.

“With the Born to Stand Out challenge, we want everybody to stand out. We want teachers, parents and everybody to do this challenge. What that will do is it will show people that it's okay to come forward if something is wrong. We at the Limerick Autism Group think individuality is key. All people with a disability have their own unique personality,” he added.

Since being founded in 2017, LAG has come on in leaps and bounds.

James Enright, who is 12, says, “It’s good to spend time with people who are different and get along with other people as opposed to people your own age who are the same as you.”

What advice he would give to someone who is being bullied in school?

He said, “Go to someone you trust, like one of your best friends, or one of your parents.”

The group has linked up with companies across Limerick, including the Parkway Retail Park at the Dublin Road, which is now one of Ireland’s first autism friendly shopping areas.

As well as providing support for kids with autism, LAG provides relief to parents whose children have the condition which in short, affects how people communicate, socialise and interact with others.

Eleanor McSherry, whose eldest son, 20 is on the autistic spectrum, says Limerick families are very lucky to have this group.

“When my son was younger, there was nothing for him. He couldn’t go anywhere. There were no facilities, he didn’t like crowds. We weren’t invited to any parties because people didn’t know what autism was, and did not know how to deal with it. I am so proud to be associated with these guys. For parents to get up and actually do something for their child that has a condition like this, it is amazing,” she told those present at the event.

Fellow parent Roisin O'Riordan from Farranshone added, “It provides good inclusive facilities for our four-year-old boy who is autistic and my younger boy who is in the middle of being assessed. I find it a place to go where they can be themselves.”

And from her own point-of- view, LAG members are always available for support.

“When you go to these events, you get to meet other parents which is great in itself.”

The final words should be left to the main people - the youngsters.

Rebecca Enright, 8, from Clare, said, “It's fun must to be myself, run around and have a good time.”

And nine-year-old Seanie Clancy, Westbury, added, “It’s great. I’ve made a lot of friends here. They do loads of stuff. We have had a party tonight. School is boring compared to this!”

To join the Limerick Autism Group, please telephone 089 2290898.