Tánaiste cuts ribbon at new centre for adults with autism

Hopes that centre outcomes can be replicated elsewhere

There is shared belief the model of care and education elicited by staff for adults with autism at a newly opened centre in Cavan could be a blueprint for the future and replicated elsewhere throughout the country.

“It’s already happening,” says Bernie Nelson, mum of Liam, age 25, and one of five attending the Cavan Autism Education & Training Centre (HUB) CLG. “They’ve had people visiting from other parts of Ireland to see what’s happening here, how it’s happening, and how they can bring it back to their own counties. It’s absolutely brilliant.”

The centre is in effect Bernie’s brainchild, borne out of necessity, as well as a determination to not see her son’s educational progress to date come to an abrupt end.

“This was a dream I had as an autistic parent. I knew when my son left the Holy Family School and Drumlin House that there wasn’t an autism specific centre for him to attend, and I felt he wouldn’t benefit from attending a Day Activation Unit,” says Bernie, widely known for her work with Cavan Autism Parents Support (CAPS).

Work on establishing the service, now located within the grounds of the Cavan Equestrian Centre owned by the Clarke family, began almost six years ago. They finally opened their doors in June of this year and already their work has been recognised with special Pride of Place award. ‘The initiative was ground breaking and the group was absolutely resolute’, remarked judges.

Through recent health difficulties, Bernie has continued her fight for autism specific services in the locality. “I’m exhausted, but with this particularly, I’m so proud to see this over the line. I said if I never do another thing in my life, this is what it’s all about.

“There should be a centre like this in every county in Ireland, start small like we have done, and watch it grow like our adults have prospered too.”

Helena Tighe Giles took up her role as centre manager 15 months ago, and it has been a “whirlwind” of developments since, from forging new relationships with statutory and community support bodies to building pathways for learners through established links with Cavan-Monaghan ETB.

The Meath-native has worked in the autism field for the past 20 years. What she says is different about the volunteer-run C.A.E.T.C. is that learners have 30 hours of support per week, including tutors who attend on site to provide “person centred and individualised” engagement.

Most importantly, she says their work is based on the “dreams and wishes and aspirations” of the learners themselves.

“I do think we have something very special happening here. When you have a lot of people together, who understand the autism community, who understand how to get the best out of each individual and get the best out of them moving forward, really wonderful things can happen. And when you have everyone believing in that dream too, that really is unique and something that we can build on for the future.”

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, who cut the ribbon on the new premises, and attended the official opening last week with Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, shared that same opinion.

“This is exactly the kind of service that [people with autism and their families] would like to have. It is really impressive, and I do think it’s a good example of what could be done in other counties, but also I’d like to see the service expanded for the people of Cavan in the years to come.”

Minister Humphreys, who was joined too at the opening by fellow local Oireachtas members, Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, John Paul Feeley, and county councillors, agreed.

“People with autism, going into third level education, it presents huge challenges for them. They end up dropping out. But when they get a bridge, like at a centre like this, to help them adjust, train them to live independently, and to realise their potential.”