APRIL MARKS AUTISM Awareness Month, an annual international event aiming to increase understanding and awareness of autism.

Here’s a selection of sensory-friendly, safe and fun family events to check out with the kids during April…

WICKLOW

Healing Hands: Healing Hands is a therapeutic riding centre that specialises in creating a safe, fun environment for young children to try out horse riding. Horse riding is said to be beneficially to kids with autism, improving their emotional, sensory and physical skills.

Suits: The whole family. Time: 9am-5.30pm Monday-Friday, 9.30-1pm Saturday. Tickets: 30 minutes of 1:1 equine therapy is €35. Find out more here. 

DUBLIN

Lego Club: Lego-based therapy is a great tool for the social development of kids with autism – this workshop aims to motivate kids to interact and communicate, as well as improving their problem-solving skills. Oh, and it’s fun, too.

Suits: Children ages 5-12.  Time: Saturday 21st April, 1-3pm. Tickets: Not ticketed, but booking is required. Find out more here.

Kidspace: A large, kid-friendly space in Rathfarnham, Kidspace also has a multi sensory area that’s an ideal tranquil environment for children with sensory issues. There’s lots of sensory equipment, ranging from soft relaxing areas to interactive areas, all designed to encourage sensory development in a fun way.

Suits: All ages.  Time: Opening hours are from 9.30am-6pm. Tickets: For 90 mins of play, prices range from €6 to €8.50 per child. Find out more here. 

KidSpace Play Centre / Facebook KidSpace Play Centre / Facebook / Facebook

Whatever The Weather: The Civic Theatre is putting on a sensory-friendly version of its newest show this weekend – it’s a show about trying new things, with audience participation and multi-sensory play making it perfect for young children with autism.

Suits: 3-5 year olds.  Time: April 21st, 11am. Tickets: €7 per adult and €5 per child. Find out more here. 

LIMERICK

Fundomania: Limerick Autism Group have teamed up with an amusement park in Corbally to hold a special sensory-friendly event this Saturday. This special session, in support of Limerick Autism Camps, will have reduced noise, no music, reduced queuing and slowed-down rides.

Suits: the whole family.  Time: 11am-1pm, April 21st. Tickets: €12 for an unlimited two-hour wristband. Find out more here. 

CORK

Cork SportsAbility Day: As part of ongoing efforts to be more inclusive within sport, Cork Sports Partnership are holding an open day that includes come and try sessions, demos and information stands.  They have an on-site sensory room too – it’s a great day to get kids interested in sport.

Suits: the whole family.  Time: 11am-3pm, April 21st. Tickets: Free, but registration is required. Find out more here.