Autistic parties prove a hit with children and parents

CHILDREN with autism can now enjoy parties with friends thanks to the efforts of a local parent.
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Alaya Ponsford, 41, from Park Gate, set up the Owen’s Party initiative, after her own son was ostricized from going to parties due to a lack of understanding from other parents.

Alaya said: ‘Due to Owen’s autism his behaviour can become heightened. I began to notice he was becoming increasing excluded from parties with his school friends. He had become aware that he wasn’t getting invited.’

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Fellow parent, Gemma Clair, 40, whose son Henry is also autistic, added: ‘A lot of parents don’t understand the needs of autistic children. Parties are often held in soft play areas where it’s very noisy and crowded and children simply become overwhelmed.’

Pictured: Alaya Ponsford, founder of Owen's Party, with her husband Stewart and son Owen, 7, who has autism.

Picture: Sarah StandingPictured: Alaya Ponsford, founder of Owen's Party, with her husband Stewart and son Owen, 7, who has autism.

Picture: Sarah Standing
Pictured: Alaya Ponsford, founder of Owen's Party, with her husband Stewart and son Owen, 7, who has autism. Picture: Sarah Standing

The parties host a maximum of 10 students, provide a sensory room, and have range of activities and specially adapted games. Alaya’s mantra is that “every child deserves to go to a party”.

‘It’s important to have a variety of activities as attention spans may only last a few minutes. Children can choose which games to participate in and we play pass the parcel where all the children have a box and everyone ends up with a prize,’ she said.

Gemma added: ‘Alaya has a real understanding of how to cater for the children’s needs. At the start of a party, Henry can often become overwhelmed and being able to go into the sensory room just calms him down.’

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As well as creating a safe, calm environment for children on the autistic spectrum it also provides a support network for parents experiencing similar challenges.

Pictured: Owen's Party celebrated its one year birthday with a Halloween themed party at Priory Park Community Hall in Park Gate. Founder, Alaya Ponsford (middle), celebrates with children, parents and carers.


Picture: Sarah StandingPictured: Owen's Party celebrated its one year birthday with a Halloween themed party at Priory Park Community Hall in Park Gate. Founder, Alaya Ponsford (middle), celebrates with children, parents and carers.


Picture: Sarah Standing
Pictured: Owen's Party celebrated its one year birthday with a Halloween themed party at Priory Park Community Hall in Park Gate. Founder, Alaya Ponsford (middle), celebrates with children, parents and carers. Picture: Sarah Standing

Kirsty Clarke, 42, commented: ‘There’s not enough awareness about what is a hidden disability. Coming to the parties reduces the isolation many parents feel.’

Hayley Pretlove, 42, added: ‘It’s important for parents to come here as it provides a support network in knowing you are not alone.’

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Parties are held every two months and include themes such as Halloween and Christmas.

Pictured: Kirsty Clarke from Fareham, with her son Harry, 9, who has autism.

Picture: Sarah StandingPictured: Kirsty Clarke from Fareham, with her son Harry, 9, who has autism.

Picture: Sarah Standing
Pictured: Kirsty Clarke from Fareham, with her son Harry, 9, who has autism. Picture: Sarah Standing
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Poppy Pretlove, eight, who has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), said: ‘I really enjoy coming to the parties. There are less children which means you get the chance to try everything.’

Henry Claire, eight, added: ‘I liked the sensory room and can’t wait until the next party.’

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