Club for autistic children at Mary Hare school to expand

Run by volunteers, the Happy Days Autistic Club was set up two years ago by Kirilynn Gardner, a teaching assistant at the Mary Hare School, on the B4494/Wantage Road, and meets up at the school:
“We are just starting our second year and we are opening up another club for older children,” said Mrs Gardner.
The club issues a six monthly newsletter and the January to June 2014 edition reveals the inspiration behind the club - Mrs Gardner’s nine-year-old son Finn, who has Asperger’s syndrome, along with possible dyslexia:
“Children are so different and can be very complex at times especially on the autistic spectrum, and as a parent I understand the challenges life can bring to our children,” said Mrs Gardner.
Offering toys, from marble chutes to trains and refreshments, the club relies on fundraising and donations, with a £2.50 fee per session for chlldren aged five to ten, parents and siblings under three free.
Planned events include Valentine Crafts on February 10. A ‘mums night out’ is also planned on January 25 and fundraising summer fayre on Sunday June 29.
For more details about the Happy Days Autistic Club, email Kirilynn Gardner at: k.gardner@maryhare.org.uk.