Angus autism-friendly rugby classes keeping routine for 8-year-old Saskia
The sessions are being carried out over Zoom due to coronavirus restrictions
Last updated 3rd Mar 2021
The family of an 8-year-old girl's telling us how autism-friendly rugby sessions are helping keep routine during lockdown.
Saskia Birse, who also has ADHD, attends the sessions remotely.
They're the first of its kind in Scotland and are run by the Strathmore Community Rugby Trust in Angus.
Saskia's Dad Neill said: "Every Sunday morning, we get up and put Zoom on. She sees all her friends in the club and we do some games.
"During the lockdown it keeps her routine. That's one of the big things for Saskia, is maintaining that routine.
"It's keeping the engagement there, because if they left it for nearly a year now without that, when we went back to training outside it would be like starting all over again."
Strathmore Community Rugby Trust began its free twice-weekly sessions for Angus Primary 1-7 pupils in 2019.
They’re designed to create a positive learning environment for children with or undergoing diagnosis for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their siblings.
They help develop confidence and social skills as well as general physical literacy and sporting skills. They also provide respite and social contact for parents and carers.
Coach James Kiely added: “The sessions have been great for the kids who’ve been able to join in as they give them a chance to interact safely with their coaches and the other children.
"Saskia in particular has really surprised us with how well she has been doing with the online sessions.
"While in person she would occasionally drift in and out of sessions, online she’s been able to fully engage with the coaches and even managed to show the other kids on the call some of her favourite animal walks!”