Cork mum’s salute to Shine Centre that helped her son thrive

Caroline Knight shall go to the ball.

“Oh yes, of course we are going to Shine’s 25th anniversary Gala Ball this October,” she says. “I’m on the look-out for a gúna!”

Feeling overwhelmed after your child’s autism diagnosis is a normal response shared by thousands of parents. Many describe the initial period as a mix of fear of the unknown, confusion, and exhaustion.

Caroline and Matt, parents to Oscar, now six, were no different.

“Oscar was diagnosed with autism when he was two-and-half-years-old,” says Caroline.

“He had no words and we decided to get him checked out.

“We had him assessed privately ourselves as there were long waiting lists for appointments to see speech therapists, for instance.

“So yes, we felt overwhelmed when Oscar was diagnosed. We didn’t know where to turn. We were in no man’s land.”

Caroline started looking for help and support in her local area.

“I googled Carrigaline autism,” Caroline recalls. “It was just a loose search.”

It paid dividends.

“The Shine Centre for Autism came up,” says Caroline. “The centre offers dedicated Early Intervention classes for children on the autism spectrum.

“They operate out of Carrigaline and provide comprehensive educational development support.”

Caroline didn’t hesitate.

“Next morning, I knocked on the door of the centre and asked for the pre-school. Kieran opened the door, and from that moment on we were blessed.”

Caroline and Matt found the centre to be a shining light.

“At the parenting class, we were able to meet others and meet other kids of all ages,” says Caroline.

“We were able to chat away, talk about our own experiences and challenges and share advice. It was wonderful.

“Speakers, who were occupational therapists or speech and language therapists, came into the Shine Centre to offer information on sensory needs and communication skills.”

In the class, Caroline and Matt went back to basics.

“What is autism? What is the wealth of the spectrum? These were the important elements that we needed to know,” says Caroline.

“We did the parenting course for six weeks and we found it so enlightening as well as so reassuring.

“From there, we got support with helping with the paperwork and the admin involved to access government support for Oscar. It is huge.

“We did know a certain amount already, but the Shine Centre gave us invaluable help, and they did all that with us.”

Oscar loved the Shine pre-school.

“There was a slot available at the pre-school for him in Carrigaline,” says Caroline. “We got two years for him, and he developed there so well.

“Sarah Holland, a fantastic girl, was his teacher and there were three support teachers in a class of four or five. It was incredible.

“All Oscar’s needs were catered for. The teachers catered for each individual. Oscar was well ready for primary school when the time came.”

He is a pupil now at the boys’ school in Crosshaven. “Oscar loves school,” says Caroline. “Shine pre-school brought out the best in him. They set him up for life.”

“He is a very sociable young fellow,” adds Caroline. “He’s still pals with his ‘bestie’ from pre-school. They meet up every few months.”

Oscar is a happy chappy.

“He sure is,” says Caroline. “He is the brightest, friendliest, smiley boy ever.

“When he was doing the photo-shoot for Shine ahead of the 25th anniversary gala ball, he high-fived everyone when he was coming down the catwalk!”

The camera likes him.

“And he seems to like the camera!” says Caroline.

What else does Oscar like?

“He loves spotting planes. He loves football and he plays with ‘Carrigaline Football for All’ on Saturday mornings, who have a fantastic programme set up for children with additional needs.”

The lad is football mad.

“Oscar says, ‘Is it a whole four years until the next World Cup?’ He is really tuned in.”

But Aviation is Oscar’s main hobby.

“His daddy often commutes to London, where he is from,” says Caroline. “Oscar can spot an Aer Lingus or Ryanair plane flying overhead in the sky.

“He knows if it is a regional plane, a Boeing, or a propeller plane. His passion is aeroplanes.”

Caroline and Matt are passionate about supporting Shine.

“Matt joined the board of directors,” says Caroline. “We can never say enough about Shine. It is just amazing that they are here in Cork and in Carrigaline.

“Shine supports the members of all families. They invest in the kids’ future. Shine gives the children a great start in life. Knowing where to go and what best to do after your child’s autism diagnosis is of huge importance for parents.

“Getting in contact with Shine puts parents like us on the right path as to what you need and the confidence to do things right. Their guidance is crucial.”

Like Oscar, Caroline and Matt are sociable people.

“We are really looking forward to the Shine Gala Ball,” says Caroline. “And the Maryborough Hotel in Douglas is a fabulous venue where the ball will be held this year.”

It is a great occasion.

“It is like a reunion, a wonderful celebration, to meet up with past pupils, staff, and volunteers,” says Caroline.

They are all in it together.

“Shine is one great organisation. Supporting it is a big part of our lives,” says Caroline.

“We’re so grateful for everything Shine did for our family and I hope the Gala Ball helps ensure many more families can access the same support.”

Upcoming ball 

As demand for autism services continues to grow across Cork, Shine Centre for Autism has announced its 25th Anniversary Gala Ball, a major fundraising event that will help provide essential supports for autistic children, teenagers, and their families, while marking the charity’s 25th anniversary.

The black-tie event takes place on Saturday, October 17, at the Maryborough Hotel, Cork.

The Gala Ball will celebrate the achieve-ments of the children of the families supported by the Shine Centre over the past 25 years, while raising vital funds to sustain and expand its services, including early intervention, social and life skills programmes, family supports, wellbeing initiatives and educational services for autistic children and young people.

Speaking about the impact of the Gala Ball, Eoin Motherway, Chairperson of Shine Centre for Autism, said: “Although this event is about celebrating the positive impact of our organisation over the last 25 years, it is also about ensuring that autistic children and families continue to have access to the services, support and opportunities they need.

“Demand for autism services continues to grow, and the funds raised through this Gala Ball will help us strengthen and develop our programmes for the future.”

Founded in 2001 by a group of Cork parents in response to a shortage of autism-specific supports in the region, the organisation has grown into one of Cork’s leading autism charities.

Based in Carrigaline, the home-grown organisation provides a wide range of services for autistic children and families across Cork, supporting children at every stage of their development while helping parents and caregivers navigate the challenges they face.

To book tickets for the ball, please email: galaball25@shineireland.com