Mayo autism resource fair launched

AN autism resource fair is taking place in Claremorris on March 1.

It will offer autistic people, their families and carers an opportunity to find out information and ask questions from professionals.

The event will take place in the McWilliam Park Hotel on March 1 from 6 to 9 p.m., and it was officially launched at the host venue on Thursday.

Colette Heaney and Elisha Sweeney of Mayo Autism Camp are behind the event. They previously hosted a resource fair back in 2020, just before the pandemic struck, and it was a huge success.

This year's event, they said, will be a wonderful opportunity for people to speak to occupational therapists, play therapists, autistic authors, support organisations and many more.

Speakers and exhibitors confirmed to date include the renowned Dr. Susan Crawford of Get Autism Active, Brenda Cassidy, founder of the BrainCalm Institute, AsIAm, the national autism charity, Aoife Costello, founder of OT-ABC, Family Carers West, Sensational Kids, Balancing Act Toys, Elephant Beanbags, Making Castlebar Autism Friendly, Cara Music, Employability, Mayo Sports Partnership, Pebbles OT, Debbie Culhane, play therapist, Shore Farm pony therapy, Fiachra Ryan, author of the book ‘Speechless’, Count Me In, and many more.

The event aims to provide autistic people, their families, carers and friends with lots of resources, advice and support on the evening.