Accessing a play session for your child with additional needs

Here’s an experience shared by a local parent about their journey — and how they found strength, reassurance, and support through connecting with local groups.

When I had my third son, I found accessing groups very difficult, due to my anxiety and due to my son’s behaviour when at groups, as he was on the ASD diagnosis pathway, and could become very distressed, have meltdowns, throw things and shout. After a few negative experiences where my son had become distressed, and struggled to access any of the activities that the group I was at was offering, I stopped taking him, and if I’m honest, stopped really taking him anywhere I didn’t actually have to go as my anxiety was so high.

Thats when I came across the Little Heroes ASD Support Group information stand in ASDA. I was nervous to speak to them, as we didn’t even have a diagnosis at this point, he was only 2 and I thought we wouldn’t be ‘accepted’ without one, especially at such a young age. But I also knew I couldn’t keep my son indoors all the time, and that he deserved the chance to access groups like everyone else. After speaking to them, I found out that you could most definitely access their support group without a diagnosis, and that they held weekly stay and play sessions at their hub.

They were so friendly, caring and knowledgeable, that I went home with some hope, and after a couple of days, I contacted them on Facebook messenger to ask about their stay and play sessions. After a few warm and friendly messages, they offered to book me in to the next stay and play session (booking is essential for Little Heroes sessions, but not all groups, so definitely message wherever you’re attending ahead of going to ensure there’s space for you to attend, and make sure that its suitable for your child’s needs).

My next concern was that I also had another, younger child by that point, but they happily told me siblings were welcome as well. So, I booked the session, asked if I could bring my mother-in-law along for moral support (again a yes) and I’ve never looked back. My son was accepted the second he arrived and allowed to freely explore the environment at his pace. There was little distress, and he was so happy there, as was I, mixing with other parents who ‘got it’ and shared similar experiences to myself and offered me a wealth of support and advice.

From that point, I attended at least one of their stay and play sessions every week, and the confidence myself and my son built was incredible. We slowly started attending extra events that Little Heroes held, such as swimming, picnics and seasonal activities like seeing Santa, all things I once didn’t believe was possible. I also started exploring other groups in the area that had SEN sessions or were inclusive, attending Making Waves and Chaos and Calm, both of which were amazing.

I definitely feel that attending groups has built mine and my sons’ confidence and let him access experiences he would possibly have never had. I’ve never felt judged at any of the SEN inclusive groups I’ve attended and have always made sure that I have contacted the groups before attending, to ensure that I’m booked in if needs be, and that the group/activity is running that day and is really suitable for my son’s needs.