Maynooth's First Autism Friendly Science Night

Datesand sponsored Maynooth University's very first autism friendly science night on 24th November.
Maynooth University welcomed 18 lovely children, who attend units in their 5 local schools, and their parents, to the Biology labs on Friday night, to get involved in some science!

Gillian O'Meara, of the Biology Department at Maynooth, had some amazing feedback from the event:

        We had several experiments for them to do, including food tests, identifying skulls, DNA extraction from a banana, making weird custard/slime and the finale of the Magic toothpaste! They were delighted to be able to get hands on in the lab - sometimes getting quite messy! If they needed to take a bit of time to themselves we had a quiet room, with dimmed lights, calming scents, bean bag, weighted blanket and fidget toys. We had fidget toys dotted around the lab and also gave them some in their goody bag at the end. Your generosity allowed us to do that.
        It was lovely to see the kids engage with the experiments, and the helpers, in an environment that suited them, as they have never had the opportunity before. Although it was our first event, and we need to do a few tweaks, I am glad to report that it went so well we are hoping to repeat it next year. And one child has changed their Christmas list to include a science kit so that was a result to!
        Without the support of people like you it would not have been as possible to have had such a successful event so thank you.

Some of the parents also made a comment about their experience of the day, and the effect it had on their child:

        'This was a wonderful event! My son had a fantastic time and was very proud of all his work. It was great that the kids were allowed to do all the experiments themselves'
        'She loved it all but the interaction the staff had with all the children was superb. Very inclusive & still full of fun & relaxed'
        'We really enjoyed it! Thanks for the opportunity to experience the lab!'

We are honoured to have been part of such a wonderful event that has impacted so many others. Below is a gallery of the children enjoying themselves with their science adventures!