A MUM has set up a sensory play group after searching high and low for the perfect place for her son to play and explore in Solihull.
Grace Cassidy dreamed up Sensonauts to give children who are going through assessments or have been diagnosed with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or any other learning difficulties a place to explore without getting overwhelmed.
Grace said she visited a number of stay and play groups across the borough with her two-year-old son who is currently going through assessments for ASD with Solihull NHS.
She said: “I searched high and low for a suitable play group for my son to enjoy without getting upset, overwhelmed and going into an emotional overload.
“I wanted to create an environment for children with ASD, ADHD and other learning difficulties a place where they can feel calm, explore all things sensory, safe and secure while expressing their needs.
“I feel that for a lot of parents experiencing the same, it can feel like a lonely journey.”
The groups are for children aged from birth to four-years-old and have a range of play equipment to help children develop from therapeutic play to problem solving skills and fine and gross skills.
Sensonauts, which runs on Mondays in Shirley and Fridays in Olton, is open during the school holidays so children at term-time nurseries and siblings can also join in and play.
As well as playing Grace says Sensonauts will give parents, granparents and other carers a space to share experience and advice and the group may look at bringing in professionals in the near future to lead discussions.
Sessions cost £6 per child and £3 per additional children and bookings can be made on the Sensonauts website.
The groups are held at Church House on Church Road in Shirley from 10am to 11am and from 11.15am to 12.15pm on Mondays.
The Olton group is at St Margaret’s Church on St Margaret’s Road from 9.30am to 10.30am and from 10.45am to 11.45am on Fridays.
