From Personal Challenge to 
Community Impact
For 12 years, my children—both of whom are autistic—missed out on the joys that so many other children experience: joining a holiday club, spending time with friends, and being part of a group. Due to their needs, they require one-on-one support, which is costly and rarely available in traditional holiday programs. As a mother, it was painful to watch them missing these experiences simply because the support wasn’t there.

Beyond being a mother, I am also a special needs teacher specializing in autism. I’ve dedicated my career to understanding and supporting children on the spectrum, and I know first-hand how much they can thrive with the right environment and guidance. Seeing the gap in services, both as a parent and a professional, I realized that if there was going to be a space where my children—and others with similar needs—could fully participate, I would have to create it myself.

ASD community hub is a specialized holiday club and community space designed for children with disabilities, particularly those with autism. My goal was to create a welcoming, inclusive environment where they could finally experience the joy and friendship of a holiday club without limitations. I wanted it to be where children could belong, learn, and grow.

In our project, we offer children with disabilities the opportunity to:

Belong: Every child deserves a place where they are accepted, valued, and free to be themselves. We ensure the proper support so that each child feels safe and included and is never left out because of their needs.

Learn Through Tailored Activities: 
Drawing from my experience as a special needs teacher, we design activities that foster curiosity, build confidence, and cater to the diverse ways children with autism learn. Through arts and crafts, interactive storytelling, sensory-friendly games, and group projects, we encourage each child to explore their interests and discover new skills.

Enjoy Social Connections and Fun: 
Socializing in a supportive environment is at the heart of our mission. Our club is full of engaging, enjoyable activities where children can make friends, play, and celebrate their achievements together. We’re building the joyful memories they missed in previous years.

Starting this project wasn’t easy. Between securing funding, gathering the right resources, and overcoming initial scepticism, I often questioned if it could work. But with my professional experience, a small group of dedicated supporters, and my children’s faces in mind, I pressed on. Seeing their happiness at finally being part of a holiday club made every challenge worth it.

Through these workshops, I hope to share my expertise with other educators, parents, and local organizations, empowering them with the tools to create inclusive environments where all children can thrive.
My vision for the future is to expand ASD Project, so that more communities can benefit from inclusive programs, tailored support, and the joy of belonging.

Looking back, my journey from feeling isolated as a mother to building a thriving community for my children and others has been life-changing. It taught me that, with the right support and determination, we can build spaces where every child feels valued, supported, and free to reach their potential.