Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Why Yard is a vital
Charity is offering an inclusive play setting
TWO mums are reaching out to families who may be struggling to find play settings due to their children’s additional needs.
For the Flemings from Angus and the Clarkson family from Fife, play time can be incredibly challenging, with many mainstream settings out of reach.
Yet both have found great support locally.
The families have discovered the Yard in Kirkcaldy, a charity which also runs services in Dundee and Edinburgh.
And they’re keen to share their experiences with other families who may have children with autism, ADHD or sensory challenges – or are awaiting their diagnosis.
Marc and Lisa Fleming from Monifieth have 11-year-old twin boys Keir and Luka, who were diagnosed with autism and ADHD aged 3, and daughter Rosie, 7.
Both working full-time, Marc is a lecturer and Lisa a social care worker.
Marc said: “Bringing up twins is challenging enough but having two boys with additional support needs can be extremely tough.
“We realised we really needed some extra support as a family. The Yard works on so many levels.
“Even though they’re twins, they don’t always want to be together so the Yard Dundee is big enough to allow them time to play apart and play with others.
“If they have a meltdown or an off-day, it doesn’t matter.”
“That gave us a new level of confidence and reassurance,” said Lisa.
“It’s really tough worrying how your child might react or respond when out and about and what other people think.
“But at the Yard, they don’t need to alter their behaviour just to be socially acceptable, no-one’s telling them to calm down or behave – the staff know exactly how to respond and support them.”
Siblings and the wider family can also attend, a huge factor for the Fleming family with Rosie to consider too.
“Rosie loves the Yard, looks forward to it as much as the boys do,” said Marc.
“She loves arts and crafts, messy play, interacting with other children and staff. She’s a young carer in many ways but too young to be one, so this gives her respite too.”
Vivian and Wayne Clarkson live in Kirkcaldy with their sixyear-old son Dylan and daughter Robyn, 10.
Dylan was diagnosed with global developmental delay (GDD) aged four and is currently on a waiting list for a likely diagnosis of autism and ADHD.
Mum Vivian explains: “Dylan’s too big for toddler groups but doesn’t have the awareness or social skills to go without us or be left in classes for his age group.
“Soft play presents significant challenges and playparks tend not to be in enclosed spaces which means Dylan can’t play freely.
“We have to consider all eventualities while giving him opportunities to build his social skills and keep him safe.
“Although he can take our hand when we’re out, he’d think nothing of running into water, jumping off a high drop, or running into the road.”
Vivian added: “Having a child with Dylan’s needs, it’s easy to lock yourself away, to avoid judgement when out and about.
“However, Dylan needs to run and be active. We were once told if he’s bouncing off the walls, take the walls away which is a great piece of advice. It just takes a lot of planning but can help.”
Vivian said: “There’s a perception that disability has to be physical. However, there will be so many families out there whose children have sensory challenges or are on the pathway to a diagnosis who would really benefit from the Yard.
“Dylan and Robyn are outside a lot, playing tig, running, laughing. Dylan loves messy play, the trampoline, sandpit and the toy cars.
“If your child has additional needs, come along and become part of something. At the Yard, everyone just ‘gets it’.