iCARE's first ever Autism Conference hailed as a 'resounding success'

A first of its kind conference organised by an Inishowen charity has been hailed as a resounding success.

Buncrana-based autism service iCARE held a one day conference in the Inishowen Gateway Hotel on Saturday.

iCARE was established in September 2000 by like minded parents from Inishowen who seen that there was a need for a local charity organisation to represent the views of all parents of persons with autism.

The valuable service supports parents of persons with autism from Inishowen irrespective of age, by promoting on a local level, improved treatment, education, welfare and acceptance for our children.

A large crowd was warmly welcomed by iCARE Chairperson Doreen Friel who said the event was something iCARE was very proud to organse for the community.

Liam Galbrieth, iCare Director acted as MC on the day and expressed how delighted he was to see a brilliant turn out for the event.

He explained how the young people and adults voices would be heard throughout the day as pre-recorded introductions for the guest speakers.

The keynote speaker was Adam Harris, CEO AsiAm and other speakes included Joan McDonald, Dr Susan Crawford, Denise Doherty, Doreen Friel, Sally Murphy, Shane McKenna and Dylan Clarke.

A wide range of topics were covered including Parental/Carer Support, Teenage Years and Dual Diagnosis, Employment and Young People, Movement and Positivity, Removing Barriers for Autistic People, ICARE and How it Helped Me

A selection of excellent workshops were offered to the attendees including Adam Harris who spoke on the barriers faced by autistic people, Doreen Friel who discussed the topic ‘Understanding Autism’, iADULT staff members Agnes Doherty and

Michaela Mc Laughlin who covered behaviours- strategies and interventions, iADULT service user Olivia Farren assisted the ladies in this workshop.

Denise Doherty spoke about employment barriers for people with diagnosis and Dr Susan Crawford held a movement workshop where participants learned the importance of getting up and moving!

iCARE was delighted to welcome stalls to the conference which included the Bluestack Special Needs Foundation, Inishowen Development Partnership (IDP), ATU, Thelilphils- Students from Scoil Mhuire who have a small business raising awareness for Autism, Spellers Northwest as well as our ICARE, Sonas Youth Club and IADULT stalls.

An iCARE spokesperson said: “A special thanks goes to all ICARE, Sonas and iADULT young people and adults who helped in preparating for this event and on day. Also thanks and well done to ICARE organisational Committee Liam Gill, Niamh Clerkin, Christy Gallagher, Karen Callaghan, Kathleen Gill, Doreen Friel and Aine Deeney and .iCARE staff and iADULT staff, volunteers, everyone who attended and purchased tickets!”