How can I learn more about what’s happening to my child?

At the launch of a new outreach service for parents of children on the autism spectrum, Stephens Shore spoke about his unique insights into life on the spectrum and the interventions that are moving people further towards reaching their potential.

The strong interest by over 200 parents, the press and the media at the launch in Dublin , confirmed the need for education support services for parents of children on the autism spectrum, to be delivered into the home.

Stephen was diagnosed with “strong autistic tendencies” and recommended for institutionalisation at age 21/2. However from his home in Boston , his parents began to reach him by employing music, sensory stimulation, narration and imitation therapy to treat him. Stephen Shore is now completing his doctoral degree in special education at Boston University with a focus on helping people on the autism spectrum develop their capacities to the fullest extent possible.

Frustrated by the lack of information about autism, Stephen is keen to share his insights and those of other internationally recognised specialists working at the forefront in treating autism. With their presentations now available via the internet, such as Open Windows Essential Training, Stephen believes that this is a valuable support for parents.

“With what we know today of the latest advances in medicine, nutrition, diet and therapies, there is every reason to believe that for people on the autism spectrum there is always the possibility of improvement, to move to a lighter end of the spectrum. It is important that parents hear this.” said Stephen.

Said Cormac Rennick, Chairperson, Irish Autism Alliance: “ A parent’s input is crucial in deciding which interventions will suit their child best and when they should be introduced. Until such time as our health professionals are up to speed on the latest advances in medicine, nutrition, diet and therapies, parents will continue to need to inform themselves about interventions that can improve the quality of life for our children. With presentations like Stephen’s now available on the internet, parents can access this information from their own homes, or wherever there is a p.c.”

Stephen concluded: “For anybody on the spectrum there is always a great possibility to improve and move to a lighter end of the spectrum. The challenge is to move them as fast and as far as we can.

Stephen serves on the board of the Autism Society of America , is board president of the Asperger’s Association of New England and is on the Board of Directors for Unlocking Autism , the Autism Services Association of Massachusetts , and the Asperger Syndrome Coalition of the United States .

Presentations by Stephen Shore and other leading internationally recognized specialists such as Dr. Jeff Bradstreet are now available to parents at www.newlifelearning.com Up to 30 th April any parent who wishes to register for any of the autism courses on the website can avail of a special concession price of E150 by quoting “AutismFile” in their registration.