Autism Programme

''Blathú'' Programme 

Opened in September 2020, St. Aidan's welcomed its first Autism Programme consisting of one class of 6 students. It took a while to find our feet and even choose a name for it.

Blathú means to blossom or to glow; I think that it links very well with our college motto 'Bíodh bhur Solas ag Taithneamh' or, ‘let your light shine.'

The Blathú programme aims to support and nurture our Autistic students to participate and flourish in their own unique ways- like all students across the school.

Students in the programme have hugely diverse and individual needs. Therefore, within our classrooms, we provide a lower student-teacher ratio, including subject specialist teachers. We follow individualised programmes of learning and provide baseline SNA support in the Blathú classes and across the whole school, ensuring students can follow the curriculum at their own pace and at a level appropriate to them. The ultimate aim is for students to participate in mainstream activities where they are able and comfortable to do so.

A second class opened in 2021 followed by a third class in 2023 giving a total of 18 students engaging in the Blathú programme. We have also installed our sensory room, which will hugely benefit our students.

Ms Lee's 4th year Art class have shown great interest in undertaking the task of making it a welcoming and calming space for those who need it. We hope to set up more opportunities like this to get students across the school involved and understand the programme and tackle stereotypes and misunderstandings around Autism and to celebrate skills and talents that Autistic people bring to our communities.

The teachers in St Aidan's have been fundamental in supporting the Blathú Programme. As a school, we are learning all the time. Therefore, it is important to continue to promote Autism Awareness and Acceptance and the diversity it brings, amongst staff, students, parents, and the school community.

Ms. Knightly
Coordinator Blathú Programme