Gala ball held to raise funds for charity Autism Heroes
Clare, Stephen and Louise Moran and Mick Burnett were pictured at the Autism Heroes Gala Dinner in the Woodford Dolmen Hotel. Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie
THE glamour stakes were seriously high when a gala ball was held in aid of Autism Heroes, a charity that supports people on the autism spectrum and their families.
The event was so well supported that out of the 18 tables in the ballroom in the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, 14 of them were sponsored by local companies and individuals.
“It went really well, I’m feeling really positive about it,” said Louise Moran who set up Autism Heroes.
Guests were treated to a prosecco and cheese reception before sitting down to a wonderful dinner after which there were speeches and dancing to Helter Skelter.
Paul Brennan was the MC for the night and guest speaker was Edel Kelly, a speech and language therapist.
Louise spoke about the importance of both early intervention in diagnosing autism and consistent therapy. Her own son, Óisín (11) who is autistic also spoke, thanking everyone for supporting the cause.
“Óisín was very nervous but he did it and thanked everyone for supporting kids with autism. He thoroughly enjoyed it and felt 10 foot tall afterwards,” said Louise.
Louise set up Autism Heroes after moving home to Ireland from Australia. Óisín had very effective therapy while in Australia and Louise firmly believes that if her son hadn’t received that vital intervention, he would not be the person that he is today.
She was so frustrated at the lack of services in Ireland that she set up the charity Autism Heroes while she’s also a tireless advocate for the cause. She cites the Autism Association of Western Australia as being the model for which the Irish government should base its services and has been lobbying the government to that end. Crucially, she has the support of the founder of the Australian association on board and is determined to fight for better services here in Ireland.
Autism Heroes have a monthly support group for parents or family members of autistic children.
They also have an online support group. For further information email Louise on info@autismheroes.ie
