April 2nd is globally recognized as World Autism Awareness Day, however for parents of autistic children, everyday is “Autism Awareness Day.” Finding local businesses who offer services and support for autistic children can be challenging, however one SA company has stepped up to fill a void that they spotted, when looking for social opportunities for their son.
SA family-owned and operated business Spectrum Connect offers a Kid’s Club for kids aged 7-13, where the team seek to help autistic children find their own strengths.
Husband and wife team Matt and Kathryn Grey had been running children’s events for years when they noticed that a lack of events catering specifically to the needs of Autistic kids, a cause very close to them as their only child, Dexter, now five, is also Autistic.
In 2020, at the height of the pandemic, they founded Spectrum Connect, offering 90 minute gatherings after school to socialise. Now, 18 months later they have groups in three locations: Fulham, Cumberland Park and Reynella. In August they will launch a fourth location in Surrey Downs to keep up with demand for the service.
Every week, at Spectrum Connect, participants get an opportunity to partake in an activity or entertainment including things like excursions, petting zoos, balloon sculpting, go kart racing and bubble making. Activities happen in a supportive and social space where kids can try new things, develop confidence and display their true selves.
Since founding Spectrum Connect, Kathryn and Matt have noted several success stories amongst participants including:
- A member that has found the confidence to attend drama class and feature in a short film.
- A member that had withdrawn from mainstream school managed to return, part time, to conventional education.
- A member with food sensitivities that has broadened their palate as a result of food based activities at Spectrum Connect sessions.
On top of supporting kids, Spectrum Connect offers Neurodiverse adults a supportive environment to find employment. The staffing structure allows for employing neurodiverse high school aged students who are given a flexible and supportive environment to have their first after school job.
One in every twenty two children are diagnosed as neurodiverse.
April 2nd is a great chance to applaud, appreciate and say thank you to South Australian run business, like Spectrum Connect, that are at the forefront of creating services for children living with Autism.
For more information on Spectrum Connect, visit their website here.
More News
