Kilwinning ASN kids to reap benefits of new base
Mum tells us 'nothing' in the area before now
The mum of an autistic girl insists the lack of after-school activities for North Ayrshire kids living with additional support needs drove her to help start her own.
Emma McNish is part of the team behind Life’s Little Rainbows, a new sensory play area opening in Kilwinning this Saturday for children and young adults with ASN.
Alongside her husband Kenny, Emma was energised at the start of the year when her nonverbal autistic daughter Emily-Rose started showing an interest in dance, specifically ballet.
However, the hopeful parents' hearts sank when they couldn’t find a dance club willing to allow Emily-Rose to join.
And it was those struggles that led the McNish family down the road to being a big part of Life’s Little Rainbow’s grand opening this weekend.
Ema said: “My husband and I contacted various dance schools throughout Ayrshire, asking if our wee girl could join the class.
“We kept getting told no, because she was non-verbal and because she was not toilet-trained
“We eventually heard back from the Dance Depot in Kilwnning, got speaking to Tracey Maguire who runs it and, the words me and Kenny will never forget, Tracey said ‘Dance is for everyone - of course, bring her to the ballet class.’
“We took her to the class on the Tuesday night and everybody within the class was so supportive and so amazing with Emily-Rose.”
After seeing a change in her daughter, with Emily-Rose growing in confidence with each class she attended, Emma began talking to owner Tracey about what was available for ASN families in the community.
Tracey asked what they did after school at 3 pm each day, and the parents didn’t have an answer.
“Being brutally honest, nothing, there’s nothing for our families to do,” Emma continued.
“I hate using this term, but for a normal, typical family, they have afterschool classes, clubs etc, but there is nothing in our community in regards to additional support needs.”
The venue on Longford Avenue aims to ‘stimulate and engage’ ASN young people.
There will be a rebound and multi-sensory playroom, a therapy trampoline, a ball pit and a cosy corner.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to head along and relax, while their kids play.
Emma finished: “Just families being able to be themselves, have a cup of tea or coffee while their kids playing, like a normal typical family.
“Tracey has just opened it up in the hope of a safe space for all us families in the community.”