Attia says: “Ayaan is autistic and has complex communication and sensory needs, resulting in significant anxiety. 

“Leading up to him attending SNAPS, Ayaan didn’t want to leave the house. He wouldn’t attend any community activities and wouldn’t allow any visitors to come. We understood Ayaan needed to feel safe in his immediate environment and over time, this allowed us to try SNAPS. Ayaan attended his first ever SNAPS stay and play session in June 2022, and I knew then he would return the following week when he said: ‘goodbye SNAPS see you next Saturday’” 

“SNAPS has always provided Ayaan with a safe play environment. Initially Ayaan would stay for shorts periods of time during the stay and play sessions and he would leave when he started to show slight signs of becoming overwhelmed or anxious. This worked well for Ayaan and he has always left SNAPS feeling positive, which has supported him to attend every weekend ever since. 

“The team at SNAPS are amazing in facilitating him to settle with minimal demands or expectations, while providing him with consistent and familiar activities for him to access and engage with at his pace.

 “In September 2022, Ayaan attended his first ever 1:1 swimming session at SNAPS which helped develop his confidence and love for the water. He loves his swimming teacher Leanne and the support she has provided Ayaan with during his swimming lessons has had a massive impact on his overall mental well-being. When he struggled during the week, he would think about SNAPS and look forward to attending on Saturday. 

 “SNAPS continues to a hugely positive impact on Ayaan’s overall wellbeing, and it continues to be the one and only activity he can access. I want to thank every member of the SNAPS team for supporting Ayaan and our family and being such a positive part of our lives. “