AGXStarseed
Well-Known Member
(Not written by me)
TEAM Aspie are making their voice heard and proclaiming that there is more to life than just being on the autistic spectrum.
The group for teenagers aged between 11-18 years old was set up in the Mid-Ulster area after teenager Richard Collins noticed a need for a local support group for young people with autism.
Richard who is 14 has Asperger’s Syndrome and with the help of his family and friends set up Team Aspie in 2014. Since then the group has grown from three members to over 50 and the members regularly take part in a whole range of different activities.
The group is thought to be the only one in the North catering for teenagers.
Teresa McKernan’s son Conor attends the group and she said it has been ‘a lifeline’ for the family.
Teresa said, “Teenagers with Asperger’s find social interaction very difficult and most have communication problems.
“Team Aspie is so important, it allows parents and family members to meet up and get support from other people ‘who just get it’.”
As April is Autism awareness month, Team Aspie decided to put on a show and organised a gala concert which is due to be held in the Burnavon Theatre.
Richard’s mother Tracy explained, “It’s about getting awareness out there. We want to dispel some of the myths and show that those on the autistic spectrum are capable of doing things. Without question they have their place in school and the workplace as young adults.
“Team Aspie thought it would be good to celebrate teens and those who have ASD.
“The group is not only beneficial for the teenagers but also for the parents. We are a family and have a really strong support mechanism.”
During the concert members of the group will be showing off their talents through drama, dance and song as well as helping out with sound, lighting and taking photographs of performances.
“Every act touches on the autistic spectrum”, Tracy added, “We have a motto, ‘teamwork makes your dreams work’ and it has been really humbling to see the support we have had so far.
“We just want to celebrate our group and raise awareness. We live with autism 365 days of the year and we want to let people into our world.”
Team Aspie meet twice weekly in The Hub Cookstown. To find out more details visit Tean Aspie on Facebook.
The Team Aspie ‘ASD – A Spectacular Display’ Gala concert will take place in the Burnavon Theatre, Cookstown on Saturday April 9 at 7.30pm and features Malachi Cush as compere.
Tickets cost £10 each and are available from the box office 02886769949.
SOURCE: http://ulsterherald.com/2016/04/06/inspiring-team-aspie-make-final-plans-for-gala-concert/
TEAM Aspie are making their voice heard and proclaiming that there is more to life than just being on the autistic spectrum.
The group for teenagers aged between 11-18 years old was set up in the Mid-Ulster area after teenager Richard Collins noticed a need for a local support group for young people with autism.
Richard who is 14 has Asperger’s Syndrome and with the help of his family and friends set up Team Aspie in 2014. Since then the group has grown from three members to over 50 and the members regularly take part in a whole range of different activities.
The group is thought to be the only one in the North catering for teenagers.
Teresa McKernan’s son Conor attends the group and she said it has been ‘a lifeline’ for the family.
Teresa said, “Teenagers with Asperger’s find social interaction very difficult and most have communication problems.
“Team Aspie is so important, it allows parents and family members to meet up and get support from other people ‘who just get it’.”
As April is Autism awareness month, Team Aspie decided to put on a show and organised a gala concert which is due to be held in the Burnavon Theatre.
Richard’s mother Tracy explained, “It’s about getting awareness out there. We want to dispel some of the myths and show that those on the autistic spectrum are capable of doing things. Without question they have their place in school and the workplace as young adults.
“Team Aspie thought it would be good to celebrate teens and those who have ASD.
“The group is not only beneficial for the teenagers but also for the parents. We are a family and have a really strong support mechanism.”
During the concert members of the group will be showing off their talents through drama, dance and song as well as helping out with sound, lighting and taking photographs of performances.
“Every act touches on the autistic spectrum”, Tracy added, “We have a motto, ‘teamwork makes your dreams work’ and it has been really humbling to see the support we have had so far.
“We just want to celebrate our group and raise awareness. We live with autism 365 days of the year and we want to let people into our world.”
Team Aspie meet twice weekly in The Hub Cookstown. To find out more details visit Tean Aspie on Facebook.
The Team Aspie ‘ASD – A Spectacular Display’ Gala concert will take place in the Burnavon Theatre, Cookstown on Saturday April 9 at 7.30pm and features Malachi Cush as compere.
Tickets cost £10 each and are available from the box office 02886769949.
SOURCE: http://ulsterherald.com/2016/04/06/inspiring-team-aspie-make-final-plans-for-gala-concert/
