MSP hails new sensory room
Praise for Perth Autism Support’s facility
Perth Autism Support’s newly-opened sensory room has been described as an “excellent resource” for local families and the community.
The sensory room, the charity says, will provide a “safe space and calming environment for autistic children and young people who are dis-regulated and struggling to manage their emotional responses or sensory needs”.
It will also provide a fun and engaging learning environment that is supportive to each individual autism profile and sensory difference.
Perth Autism Support (PAS) is based at 14 New Row in the city centre.
Perthshire North MSP John Swinney, alongside local children, officially opened the new sensory room on Wednesday evening.
He told the PA: “I was delighted to open Perth Autism Support’s new sensory room, which will provide a safe and welcoming space for children with autism and other sensory processing disorders.
“This room is an excellent resource for families in the local community, and I welcome the impact it will have on the lives of those who use it.”
The new sensory room offers a variety of options to make all room users feel comfortable, including a range of lighting, sound and tactile stimuli.
Children’s services manager at Perth Autism Support, Ellie Donnan-thomson, said: “Our sensory room will engage children to learn through play, from following bright light, shapes and patterns with their eyes to making sounds with musical instruments.
“It’s very exciting to have a safe, designated space in our centre for our young people to use.”
Perth Autism Support helps autistic children and young people across the communities of Perth and Kinross and Dundee.
They are the only autism-specific organisation in the area that delivers services that are developed for autistic people.
Mr Swinney admits he was taken aback by the “overwhelming support” on show for the work
Perth Autism Support is undertaking.
“This is a testament to the positive outcomes that PAS is delivering and the trust they have built up with the local authority,” he added.
“I warmly congratulate the entire team at PAS for not just the opening of this impressive new room, but for the work they undertake on a daily basis to improve the lives of children across the region.”
Mr Swinney is also lodging a Scottish Parliament motion to welcome the opening of the new sensory room, commending Perth Autism Support for providing a “fantastic service” for individuals and families affected by autism.
The motion also applauds all those involved in the development and construction of the room for their hard work and dedication.
This room is an excellent resource for families John Swinney