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Jake's Story
Explaining how life has changed after joining Spectrum Wasps
We have a 10-year-old son called Jake who was diagnosed with Autism and global developmental delay a few years ago. During this stressful situation we found out about spectrum wasps special needs children group and we decided to join them and today we can proudly say that this group is the backbone of our life. Spectrum wasp group is a great credit to all special need children around here. They work hard to bring positivity, encouragement and happiness in all children.
Spectrum wasp has made a lot of impact on our sons’ developmental skills. He has improved tremendously over the past 2 years. After attending their activities, he was able to sit with other children and interact with them and able to face the people which he never did before. We got to know a lot of parents and children who go through with the similar situations who also understands us better. We got an extraordinary support from every member of the group, especially from Sue and Jeni who coordinates the group. They work very hard to make spectrum wasps group a successful one. A lot of activities have been arranged to keep children occupied during the school holidays.
During the last summer school holidays, we attended mostly all activities and trips which were organized by the group. Every single activity including trips were very well organized. It helped him to interact with other children who are similar to his level, so he could make new friends. He was also loved by many, it increased his confidence levels and helped him to develop his fine motor skills.
Rock climbing at Derbyshire has improved his muscle strength and confidence level. Jake was very frightened in the beginning but the support and the encouragement from the group members and the other parents as well as watching other children climbing made him achieve is goal to climb right up to the top of the hill with his Dad.
Sailing was an excellent experience. It was an enjoyable ride in water which helped him to interact with other children with the similar problems who understands him better. Overnight stay was one of the best experiences ever. We got an opportunity to understand each other, talk to each other by understanding their problems and Jake got an opportunity to mix with other children. He participated in every activity like zip wire, balancing activity, sailing and having a meal together like a family and campfire were thoroughly enjoyable moments. These activities helped our son to come out of his shell and make new friends.
Coffee morning helps the parents to get together and share each other’s problems. Trips to Yorkshire Wildlife, Skegness and Magna Science were really enjoyable ones. We also have attended lots and lots of activities last year where we had trampoline jumping, wall climbing, going to the cinema together, lazer training, archery, campfire and Christmas celebration with all the families together has been an excellent experience to all of us.
Jake has no brothers and sisters and by joining spectrum wasps group and attending their activities brought a positive effect on Jake and has made a massive development in his life skills and Jakes Dad says it`s like winning a lottery!! without this group our life would have been a very miserable one. so thanks to all !! ............Mum and Dad.
OUR AMAZING STORIES
Thank you so much for your efforts and the dedication shown by Spectrum Wasps
I have been trying to get my 13 year old son to attend the Teen Club at Spectrum Wasps for over a year, as I thought it would help him socially and he might feel that he ‘belonged’ and related to other young people more. I finally got him to go at the beginning of September. He also commenced spending time with a Support Worker, Richard from Spectrum Wasps for a few hours each week.
For over 18 months, we have experienced increasing violence and aggression, school refusal and lateness, to the level that the police, youth justice, social workers etc have been involved with our family, due to property damage and violence towards us, his parents. I have attended an NVR training course to try and help with this. He has also commenced taking another ADHD medication. This combination of factors have certainly made a difference, and finally, as a family, we feel more positive and can see some light at the end of the tunnel – it has seemed rather bleak and alone at times, despite our best efforts to keep positive and do enjoyable things together as a family.
Our son is funny, and quite talented with his hands – enjoying woodwork, engineering (bike and scooter modifications and maintenance etc. ). He loves his bike, scooter and go kart. At his first Teen Club, his face was like thunder for the first 30 minutes clearly angry that I had taken him and his 11 year old brother. This ‘default’ reaction no doubt masked his anxiety about the unfamiliar surroundings and people. Jeni, one of the group organisers, helped put him at ease and he gradually joined in with the activities at ‘Base’ (Pine House). His brother immediately loved the environment and asked if we could attend every week – how amazing that siblings can usually attend events too – what a difference that makes to families! (His brother is a Young Carer and helps support him in many ways, and whilst he enjoys his own activities and friendship groups, it is amazing that that he can join in participating in positive experiences through Spectrum Wasps – thank you.) By the end of the two hours at the first Teen Club, our son didn’t want to go home and was happily chatting away with other boys. He now looks forward to attending each Friday and was amazed at being able to have a go at quad biking, air rifle shooting and go karting when the Teen Club was ‘Out and About’. He now looks forward to Tuesdays too – Richard his support worker, likes classic cars and engineering himself, so our son has been keen to spend time with him. They have gradually built their relationship, and have worked together on one of his bike ’projects’ for a few hours each week which he has really enjoyed. This careful ‘matching’ has proven much more successful than attempts with other support workers in the past. Richard has been patient, understanding and mindful of getting to know our son gradually, but thoroughly, guiding him positively when appropriate. I know that these steps will not eliminate all the difficulties that our son faces or remove all the problems we experience as a family –but it certainly makes life much more bearable and increases positive experiences, which can only be good and hopefully improve things in the longer term. Thank you so much for your efforts and the dedication shown by Spectrum Wasps – it really has made a noticeable difference this past couple of months! Keep up the excellent work! Thank you for BBC Children in Need supporting this project and helping to make it all possible! A Very Happy Parent.
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NATHAN'S STORY
Wasps is our second family, the people there have more understanding that actual members of our family
We found Spectrum wasps about 8 years ago, handing out leaflets in a local supermarket.
Our life was in an extremely dark place at that time and they brought light into it.
My son, Nathan, had been diagnosed with severe autism and development delay and had some challenging behaviours due to his frustrations.
As his mum, I was devastated about his diagnosis and knew nothing about autism, all I knew what that things would never be the same .
I had lost all confidence to take Nathan out and about, as the stares and insensitive peoples comments upset me and made me feel very alone and isolated.
Nathans dad went along to the meeting on his own first as although I knew we needed help , I just couldn’t go and face people or talk to them .
What a life changer!!!
Since then, Wasps have given me the confidence to take Nathan anywhere and do anything with him.
The support felt when out and about with the group is amazing . No one judges, everyone supports each other and as we are all in the same situation, we all understand each others daily challenges.
We have been and done so many things with the group. Sue and Jeni always have the view that there is nothing our kids cant do and they sure do live that statement.
Over the years we have tried so many different activities: quad biking, trampolining, go karting the list is endless and full inclusion for everyone
We have been on a narrow boat residential together, been to the seaside, stayed at activity camps to just name a few and we have loved it . The kids just seem to all get on with each other, support each other and help each other .
Wasps is our second family, the people there have more understanding that actual members of our family and give a lot more help and support . They are all amazing!
My daughter, Hannah is also on the spectrum and she has made amazing friends at wasps and enjoys all the activities as well.
Its just me and the kids now as their dad sadly passed away suddenly 4 years ago...wasps supported us and got us through this difficult time. They are always there for us.
Spectrum wasps is one BIG happy family , who without, we would be lost and our life would be very different. We owe so much to them xx
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Charity Number: 1146664