An Edinburgh dad has has praised a local charity after speaking out over the challenges he and his autistic daughter can face.
Fraser Gow, 39, has been taking his daughter, Quinne, 11, to The Yard in Edinburgh for the last five years, branding it 'life changing'.
The dad from Bonnington said he was taken aback when he first took his daughter to the playground at just how well the staff treated her, while admitting that most 'mainstream play settings are out of the question'.
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The Yard works with children and young people with additional support needs through adventure play sessions in Edinburgh, Dundee and Kirkcaldy.
He explained that while the change in environment caused Quinne to have a meltdown, the staff 'didn't bat an eyelid or stare'. Instead they were well equipped and offered strategies to help calm her.
Fraser said: “Quinne’s autism can manifest itself through her behaviour which makes most mainstream play settings challenging if not out of the question. If we go to a park, there’s a risk she’ll run away and, because she has little concept of safety, can get hurt by running into a swing or a roundabout. She can also struggle to play alongside other children.
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“During our first visit to The Yard five years ago, she had a meltdown when we arrived which was not itself unusual. However, we soon realised this was a different environment altogether. For once, no one batted an eyelid, judged her or stared.
"They accept Quinne for who she is and have strategies to calm situations and let children be themselves and enjoy themselves. It’s all about play, letting off steam and having fun, and both Quinne and I have friends there.
"Whether she’s playing in the mud, foam or water or sitting under a table drawing, the staff are amazing, warm, welcoming and supportive."
Fraser went on to explain how life outside of school and The Yard, it can be isolating as they feel excluded from so many activities.
He said: “Outside of school, The Yard is the most important part of Quinne’s life, and its impact on us, as a family, has been transformational. It can be pretty isolating having a child with additional needs and you can feel excluded from so many activities, but The Yard welcomes you in and provides a safe place for the whole family, where we can all just relax, belong and have fun together."
After attending the Yard every week, Fraser is now bracing himself to walk over 80 miles to raise funds for the 'life-changing charity'.
"We build our week around it and come along whenever we can. When I decided to do the Kiltwalks, The Yard was the obvious choice for my charity.
"For just a few pounds per month, it’s a vital and affordable lifeline for us and so many other families. More than ever, it’s essential that the charity can continue its amazing work across Scotland and keep providing the support families like ours desperately need.”
The Yard offers creative and inclusive play experiences in a well-supported environment, alongside wraparound support for the whole family, with a varied programme of drop-in, respite and transition youth clubs, early years, specialist sessions with schools, family play sessions, plus inclusive play and disability training.
Starting in Glasgow on April 30 the Kiltwalk will continue in Aberdeen on June 4, from St Andrews to Dundee on August 30, ending with the fourth and final event in Edinburgh September 17, just days before Fraser’s 40th birthday.
To sponsor Fraser, please visit Fraser Gow is fundraising for The Yard.
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