Autism Support Kilkeel

10/04/2026

🌟🐣 Easter Magic at Cross Castles 🐣🌟

Over Easter we enjoyed our very first visit to Cross Castles — and it definitely won’t be our last. Our families had an amazing morning, with so many activities all under one roof that the time just flew by. The children played, explored, and laughed their way through the whole visit.

Cross Castle Playrooms is packed with brilliant activities that suit a wide range of ages and sensory needs, making it a fantastic space for our young people to enjoy.

Paddy and his staff were incredibly welcoming and accommodating, creating a relaxed, supportive environment for every family. Their kindness and understanding made such a difference to the whole experience.

One parent shared: “What an amazing venue! Great turnout, kids had a blast! The staff were all super friendly and lovely with the kids! Bouncy castles, 2p machines, games, Lego… lots of fun! Thanks, ASK” We hope to visit again!

We were also delighted to have a visit from the Easter Bunny, who handed out Easter eggs kindly donated by:

💛 Lisa Cunningham, Asda Community Champion
💛 Manager Noel McEvoy, Fresh Food Centre Warrenpoint

Pictured below receiving our Easter egg donations are Melissa Reavey with Fresh Food Centre Team Manager Cai and Aisling & Susanne with Easter Bunny.

A wonderful morning of play, connection, and Easter smiles — and we’re already looking forward to our next visit to Cross Castle. 🌈

A huge thank you to Susanne, our Events Coordinator, for doing a fantastic job. Your organisation and hard work helped make the event such a success. 💛🌟

09/04/2026

🌟🐣 Infinity Easter Event 🐣🌟

Our Autism Support Kilkeel kids had an absolute blast at our Infinity Adventure Park Easter Event. They were full of energy, laughter, and excitement — and the whole session offered brilliant sensory input for them.

From movement and balance to deep pressure play, the activities helped our young people regulate, build confidence, and enjoy the freedom to explore at their own pace.

After all that exercise and sensory fun, the delicious buffet was the perfect way to refuel, reset, and relax together. 💛✨

A huge thank you to the Infinity Adventure Park staff for giving us such a warm welcome and making sure everyone had a lovely time. Your kindness and support mean so much to our families.

And a very special thank you to Melissa, our Events Coordinator, for organising such a fantastic event. 🌟💛

We are also incredibly grateful to Cliona McDowell, whose Christmas Table Quiz funded this entire Easter celebration. And to everyone who supported that quiz — thank you. Your generosity made this day possible for our young people and families, and we appreciate you more than you know. 💛🌈

A brilliant day for our young people and families — full of fun, connection, sensory benefits, and Easter joy. 🐰🌈

10/03/2026

💙 This is a difficult post to write, but an important one.

As a community, we’ve been on this autism journey since 2010 — and the truth is, very little has improved for autistic children, young people, or their families in Northern Ireland. In many ways, services haven’t just stood still… they’ve been cut back. Supports have disappeared. Families are carrying more than ever.

And now we’re seeing the impact in the most painful way: young people turning 19 with no provision, no pathway, and no plan. This is not good enough. Not for Cameron. Not for any of our young adults. Not for the families who have fought for years just to be seen.

We’re sharing this survey because voices matter — and when enough voices come together, they become impossible to ignore. Our community deserves better. Our young people deserve futures filled with opportunity, not dead ends.

💙 If autism has touched your life, please take a few minutes to complete this survey. Your experience could help drive the change Northern Ireland urgently needs.

📣 Have your say on autism services in Northern Ireland📣

The Independent Autism Reviewer is currently gathering views on what everyday life is really like for autistic people in Northern Ireland, as well as for families and carers who support them.

Understanding people’s real experiences is essential if we want to improve support, services and opportunities for autistic people across our communities.

If you are autistic, care for or support an autistic person, or have experience of autism services, I would encourage you to take a few minutes to share your views.

Your voice matters and this is an opportunity to help shape future improvements.

📝 Take the survey here:
🔗 https://shorturl.at/xPApq

13/11/2025

Thank you to Autism Support Kilkeel
(ASK) for choosing Anam Cara Community Counselling CIC to deliver their ASK Parents Counselling Programme.

Parents and carers of children and young adults with additional and complex needs often give so much of themselves to support their children that their own wellbeing can take a back seat.

ASKs focus on their members health and wellbeing supported a number of parents to access personal counselling & development.

We are grateful to have supported Autism Support Kilkeel in this essential initiative.

05/11/2025

Last month, some of our lovely mums took part in a wonderful reflexology programme with the amazing Catherine.

Each session was filled with learning, laughter and relaxation as we explored different reflexology techniques designed to support both our children and ourselves.

Catherine's gentle teaching style made everything so easy to follow. She guided us through each technique with patience and care, helping us understand how reflexology can bring balance, calm, and wellbeing into everyday life.

By the end of the three sessions, we all felt more confident using the techniques at home — whether it's to help our children unwind after a busy day, or to give ourselves a much needed moment of self care.

It's been a truly nurturing experience, and we're so grateful to Catherine for sharing her knowledge and passion with us. We all left feeling more connected, empowered, and inspired to continue our reflexology journey at home.

06/09/2025

Dads, Burgers & Bowls—More Than Just a Night Out!

Last weekend, the dads of Autism Support Kilkeel swapped routines for strikes and sizzling burgers—and what a night it was! The competition was fierce, the craic was mighty, and the ketchup stains were worn with pride.

A huge thank-you to The Sheepbridge Family Entertainment Centre for hosting them in style—the glow-in-the-dark lanes, the warm welcome, and the top-notch grub made it the perfect setting for connection and laughter.

But behind the banter and bowling balls, something special happened: conversations. Real ones. About parenting, about life, about the quiet courage it takes to keep showing up. This wasn’t just a night of fun—it was a chance for our dads to connect, laugh, and remind each other they’re not alone.

To every dad who came along: thank you for bringing your stories, your humour, and your heart. You’re the backbone of our community, and we’re proud to bowl beside you.

And we couldn’t wrap up without a big shout-out to our vice-chair, Clare Murney Davis, for making it all happen—from booking the event at Sheepbridge to sorting transport so every dad could join in. Your thoughtfulness and planning made the night not just possible, but personal.