A TAVISTOCK couple are seeking help to complete a unique building project which they hope will change the life of their autistic son. Three-year-old Paul Lewis was diagnosed last year with autistic spectrum disorder and now his parents Allen and Sheena Lewis are trying to raise funds and appealing to local businesses to help build a play-room. The idea came following a five-day course recently attended by Allen Lewis and run by the Son-Rise Program which believes the specially designed room is the best possible environment to help develop Paul?s learning and growth. ?The playroom needs to be specially built to avoid distractions and to make him interact with us. It has to have mirrors all around for him to watch us imitate him and even if he looks away he will still see us. ?We have to show him it is safe living in his world as it is living in ours,? said Sheena Lewis. ?It?s very intense. Some people spend eight hours a day in there but we will work with him in it as much as we can with some volunteers that have said they will help us.? Allen Lewis said: ?We would be grateful if anyone could donate building materials or electrical equipment and if any electrician could help us. Tavistock Carpets have already agreed to give us the carpet. ?The course gave us great hope because having an autistic child 24/7 is very, very hard work. We try to see the funny side of everything,? Allen said. ?He?s got two brothers, Lee and Mark, and two step-sisters, Kathy and Milly, who are brilliant with him. ?People are getting to know him around the town. I don?t hide him away, I get him out and about.? The Son-Rise Program which originated in America, is unique as it is based on the idea of joining children rather than going against them and uses the home as the most nurturing environment in which to help children. It is designed to help families enable their children to dramatically improve in all areas of learning, development, communication and skills acquisition. The programme teaches carers to join in repetitive and ritualistic behaviours as this facilitates eye contact, social development and the inclusion of others through play. To be fully successful the course advises building a play-room which is said to create the best environment to interact with Paul and aid his development. Allen was lucky enough to receive funding towards his expenses for the course, which was held in Enfield, from local groups such as the Mary Budding Trust. His training was funded by the Caudwell Charitable Trust which helps children?s charities and specific cases who need support due to illness. Further funding should come from a nine-mile sponsored walk by Sheena and a small group of friends on March 12. Allen said: ?It?s no quick fix. It?s a really long process. I?d like to say thank-you to everyone who has worked with him at the school, especially Gay Allen, the pre-school advisor and her team.? If anyone can help the Lewis family with their project, telephone 01822 614335 or email [email protected]">[email protected].
