Welcome to the new CASPA website! Over the next few days this will be updated and returned to full functionality. Please bear with us while we complete the changeover. In the meantime, please find below some introductory information about CASPA.
CASPAis a parent-run charity, which provides a weekly youth club during school term time and additional activities during the school holidays, for children on the Autistic Spectrum and their siblings primarily living in the London Borough of Bromley, and in neighbouring boroughs subject to availability.
The group was founded in November 2002 by parents whose children had been diagnosed with an ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder). CASPA became a registered charity in June 2005.
Autism
Children with an ASD have specific problems such as poor social interaction and understanding and interpretation of social rules. Socially these children are often inept, make few friends, become socially isolated and highly susceptible to bullying. Subtleties of conversation are often not interpreted, causing extreme anxiety and resultant bouts of anger and deep depression. This vulnerable group of youngsters can present challenging behaviour and can only rarely integrate into mainstream clubs. Their requirement is very specific and their needs can only adequately be met by specialist provision.
Activities
CASPA provides activities that allow them to establish friendships and to mix in their local community. We aim to lessen their anxieties and try to give them confidence in dealing with everyday situations to lead more independent lives. A strong team of drama, arts, sport and youth work professionals work alongside the parents to ensure maximum fun and safety whilst meeting the individual and diverse needs of the club members.
CASPA is a unique club as it allows young people with specific needs to develop their social and life skills in a relaxed but structured and inclusive environment. To maximise their chances of a more independent adulthood, we ensure that they are given adequate support in activities that take them out into the community.
Trips undertaken have included “Learning to Drive” at Brands Hatch, Thorpe Park, Bowling, Ice Skating, Tobogganing, Cinema, Imax and Blacklands Farm Outdoor Activity Centre.
Other Information
CASPA also provides a support group for parents/carers and siblings and a forum for information exchange.
At the present time some 30 families are active members of the weekly club sessions and we have 18 children on the waiting list. It is true to say that we are receiving enquiries from parents most weeks for a place for their child. Due to their anxieties, we have to introduce them to the club one at a time. Although we do not like having a waiting list, it is inevitable as CASPA operates the only youth club for school age Autistic children in The London Borough of Bromley and neighbouring Authorities.
Funding
Parents contribute to the funding of CASPA by paying a monthly subscription fee. We are constantly seeking funding due to the increasing numbers and level of care that the children need. We have recently been successful in receiving funding from Awards for All and The Local Network Fund to run sports, drama and music projects.
We have also received the generous support of other benefactors including Connexions, Bromcare, The Rotary Club of Beckenham and Langley Park Golf Club.
Support Us!
Please support our important work. To make a tax efficient donation to CASPA or to raise money for CASPA, please visit our page on the Just Giving website for more details: www.justgiving.com/caspa. Your help is very much appreciated!