Creativity Through Connection for Autism Spectrum

We at Act The Maggot have no hesitation in recommending Carol Walsh and spreading the word ab20171201_111237-2out her much needed creative support skills for families learning to cope with autism spectrum. She works one on one with children. You are not alone. They are really talented intuitive people like Carol who can help unlock the key to self expression and confidence. To read more and get in contact with Carol take a look at her website, Creativity Through Connection. Here is the information you may need if you would like your child to work with Carol.

ONE TO ONE SESSIONS

6 week one to one drama and art course for children in their own home.

These one to one sessions are designed to encourage creative expression; build confidence; facilitate positive interaction and connection; develop creative and practical skills; help children discover more about themselves & the world around them and bring a sense of joy, fun and well being. They offer a space for the child to be acknowledged and celebrated for who they are.

The sessions are suitable for children with autism and other special needs. They are also for any child, without additional needs, who might benefit from one to one attention perhaps to boost confidence or simply as a preference or alternative to group activities. They are aimed at children from 6 -10 years old approx.

Combining drama and art techniques and approaches, the sessions are designed to be playful, fun and interactive.

Topics covered include:

  • Improvisation and play.
  • Movement.
  • Multi-sensory exploration.
  • Basic visual art activities e.g. simple puppet & prop making, drawing and craft activities.
  • Fun character development.
  • Storytelling.

Sessions are specially tailored to each child’s ability and take into consideration their particular interests and predisposition. They aim to offer a supportive, structured and calm environment for every child to express their unique creativity.

Practical Info:

Duration: Each session is 45 mins long. I am currently offering 6 initial sessions once weekly*.

How does it work: Sessions take place in your home. You don’t need lots of room just an uninterrupted space to work e.g. sitting room rug/ dining room or kitchen table/ small table is fine. All materials will be provided.

Cost: Special offer for 6 week course commencing Jan/Feb 2018. €35 per session. Total cost = €210 for six weeks.

Where: South Dublin and some outskirts.

Contact: Carol Walsh

Email: carolwalshcreativity@gmail.com

Phone: 086 3553026

DCU Recovery College

Yesterday, I received this beautiful sunflower from my students and one of them brought in this poem by Mary Oliver which I asked her to read aloud for us.

Come with me
into the field of sunflowers.
Their faces are burnished disks,
their dry spines
creak like ship masts,
their green leaves,
so heavy and many,
fill all day with the sticky
sugars of the sun.
Come with me
to visit the sunflowers,
they are shy
but want to be friends;
they have wonderful stories
of when they were young –
the important weather,
the wandering crows.
Don’t be afraid
to ask them questions!
Their bright faces,
which follow the sun,
will listen, and all
those rows of seeds –
each one a new life!
hope for a deeper acquaintance;
each of them, though it stands
in a crowd of many,
like a separate universe,
is lonely, the long work
of turning their lives
into a celebration
is not easy. Come
and let us talk with those modest faces,
the simple garments of leaves,
the coarse roots in the earth
so uprightly burning.

sunflower

It was so appropriate for our group. I finished facilitating an experimental course with them where they played with drama, movement and creative writing and last week, I finished a drama course in Navan for the same organisation. Recovery College is a new venture and for me, working with them – has been an enriching, enlightening and very rewarding experience. I was given free reign to do what I do – design and facilitate course modules that are useful and empowering for adults working on their own recovery from mental health distress. It is encouraging to see people smile and have fun and feel safe while exploring their creativity despite what life has thrown at them. The power and support in these groups is inspiring. I wish them all the very best. Many thanks to the tireless efforts of Recovery College who are working so hard to provide much needed peer-led courses in this area. If you have an interest in mental health, work in mental health or have had mental health distress in your life, contact them and see if what they are offering this Autumn is up your alley. Most of the courses are on during the day.