Photos of Alistair visiting Cranleigh School can be seen by clicking here.
Speech in the ACT Legislative Assembly
19 June 2009
During May I attended Bubble Day celebrations at a number of schools in Belconnen. I was fortunate to be able to join students at Melba Pre-School School, Weetangera Primary School, and the Cranleigh School.
The month of May is autism awareness month, and this year, during the week of 18 to 22 May, Autism Aspergers ACT coordinated a number of activities to raise awareness and understanding of autism spectrum disorders.
I was pleased to be able to attend the International Autism Day event, hosted by Autism Aspergers ACT, which was held at Canberra Stadium, and sponsored by the Canberra Stadium and All Leisure Hospitality. The even also featured awards for families and individuals, and professionals.
This year was the first year that Bubble Day was held. It has been named bubble day because blowing bubbles is an activity that helps children with autism spectrum disorders and other speech impediments. Autism Asperger ACT says that the benefits of blowing bubbles can include:
- the improvement of oral motor skills
- exercising and strengthening eye muscles by watching bubbles float away
- attention skills
- hand eye coordination
- relaxation.
In addition to these benefits of blowing bubbles, bubble day has a special symbolism in that it many suffering from ASDs feel they are ‘living in a bubble’.
The aim of Bubble Day is to break out of this bubble and seeks to develop a better understanding in the school community about ASDs and the specific needs of children with ASDs, the needs of families, and to help develop the social skills of those suffering from ASDs.
There are some simple things that children can do at school and the in the community to help children with ASDs. For example, someone with ASD if they are distressed might forget to ask for help. This day was all about telling students that if they are aware someone suffering from ASD is in distress, they need to tell the teacher to ensure they can be looked after.
The schools I visited organised a range of activities to promote Bubble Day and awareness amongst their student body. Each of these schools had a unique approach to Bubble Day but with the common outcome: a better awareness and understanding about ASDs.
Melba Pre School
I enjoyed visiting Melba Pre School and learning about the proactive ways staff are engaging all the students. The students all benefit from the strong parent body and very committed staff.
Weetangera Primary School
My visit to Weetangera Primary School was very informative about the modern teaching techniques used to teach all students about autism spectrum disorders. The schools is a leader in building a positive and inclusive culture about the disorder.
Cranleigh School
I found my visit to the Cranleigh School a pleasure as the work that is undertaken there is an absolute inspiration. The dedication of the teachers, assistants administrators, parents, friends and students is exceptional.
I would like to thank Robin Tobler, Convenor, Fund Raising Committee at Autism Asperger ACT for coordinating my visits to the schools for these events.
I was very touched by the hospitality I received at the schools. Thank you to all the teachers and school communities involved in this year’s Bubble day and look forward to many more Bubble Days to come.
