Learning SPACE launch new product range for children with Autism.

Learning SPACE are excited to announce the launch of our new catalogue, full to bursting with products specifically selected for children and young adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorders. 

Learning SPACE is a vibrant, exciting independent toy shop right in the heart of Belfast. Founded and staffed by teachers and childcare workers, Learning Space specialises in educational resources, providing an exciting range of toys, games, books - in fact any product that captivates, inspires and educates children! 

All children learn in different ways, and at their own speed. Children with additional needs can require more support and specifically tailored equipment and products.  This is not always easy to source - in fact, one of the reasons Learning SPACE came into being was the owner’s frustration at being unable to find the products that were needed. 

Our new product range is specifically designed for children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. It offers solutions for many of the challenges facing children with an ASD and their families. The catalogue covers sensory toys and equipment - from light shows to weighted blankets - toys and games, timers and incentive charts and much more. Everything in one place, so no need to spend hours scouring websites; at competitive prices, and of the highest quality.

Have a look - Autism

Our well trained and experienced staff can help you with any queries you might have - come down and have a chat! 

See our Autism Catalogue , call into the shop, phone or email,  “like” us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter! 

What on EARTH happened to summer?

I mean, I know it's Northern Ireland, and jumpers are generally a good idea, but for goodness' sake the weather fairies are playing us up this month!


If you've got kids (and if you are reading this, you probably have. Or you know someone who does. Or wish you didn't :p) then you will know that Rain Is Not A Parent's Friend. Oh no. There is, after all, a finite amount of time one would prefer one's cherubs to spend goggling at the electronic babysitter, sorry, TV, even if it is "educational!"


So I thought this week I might give you some lovely, friendly ideas for Things To Do When The Weather is Evil. Some of them aren't even messy!


First of all, at least it isn't freezing cold. (well, comparatively. Compared to, say, Antarctica)  The goblins and I have had some lovely rainy walks on the beach, where the sea creatures are still nice and amenable to being poked at. And the storms have thrown up some fantastic sea junk - never go home empty handed. (NOT for want of trying!) All you need are waterproofs and wellies, and a healthy disregard for the state of your hair and mascara, and away you go!


As for indoor activities, well, there is plenty to be done. How about a sheet of lining paper masking taped to the floor (disclaimer: NOT your best cream shag pile, best attempted with hard floors!) Fill a couple of baking trays with paint, let the children get bare footed and handed and create a wonderful work of art.


Other messy play ideas - instead of playdoh, why not try mashed sweet potato? Or other unusual tastes - especially for younger toddlers and babies, not only is it a fun developmental experience, it is completely edible.


How about a glow-in-the-dark sensory experience - pull the curtains against the torrential rain, or build a den with chairs and blankets, scatter some glow stars and planets around. Wee glow spinning tops, fibreoptic lights, even a glow in the dark jigsaw puzzle! Lots of light and sound products here


When it comes to creating masterpieces, you need lots of wonderful materials - feathers, sequins, foam, stickers, glitter, pom poms and the like. Oh, and lots and lots of sticky glue. Given enough variety, your wee people will amuse themselves (with minimal mess, promise :p) for ages! Have a look here


OK, all my ideas are messy, I admit it, that's all I really like to do :p


Anyone care to share their indoor ideas?

Product Review- Fun To Write

Age: 3-6 yrs

Why I love it: 

Children can learn and practice the correct formation of letters and numbers with this colourful set of practice cards. The best thing is it’s reusable, so children can try again and again until practice really does make perfect!

Reviewer details: Pam Bannister, Teacher, Learning SPACE team

Product Review- Bilibo

Product of the Week

Product Name: Bilibo

Age: 2-7yrs

Why I love it?

Rock in it, spin in it, stand on it, sit in it, wear it as a fetching hat or as a turtle’s shell - an endlessly versatile toy, brilliant for developing gross motor skills and imaginative play. Also fantastic for kids who crave lots of movement, for example, some children with ADHD/ASD. Comes in a range of attractive, bright colours, long lasting and appears pretty much indestructible.

Reviewer details: Gail Pascoe, teacher & Learning SPACE team member.

A bit about me a bit about Learning SPACE, and a bit about Autism.

Hey blogsters.

So, here I am working for Learning SPACE as an Educational Product Advisor, and every day I talk to parents whose children have been diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorders.  I do my best to help with practicalities (as far as I can!) but sometimes I think the best help of all is just talking to people who understand!

Here at Learning SPACE, we have a real interest in supporting families affected by Autistic Spectrum Disorder, as well as other Additional Needs. We have developed a list of product ideas through the help of parents, therapists, teachers and, of course, kids.

I have a particular interest in ASD - my five (nearly six, where does the time go?) year old son was diagnosed with High Functioning Autism just over a year ago.

We knew, of course we did, that our quirky little person wasn’t your average wee lad. But it still came as a massive shock. I remember saying to the diagnosing Paediatrician, “do you mean he’s borderline? Like a bit Autistic?”

And her reply that, no, it was quite clear, my perfect little boy was on the spectrum, and has this inexplicable, poorly understood disorder.

I went in to denial for a few weeks – but in order to get the support on offer, we had to accept the diagnosis, so accept it we did. Then I spent time being really angry – why did nobody help 2 years previously, when I was looked at like a madwoman for suggesting that my 2 year old was not developing normally, why was there no support then?

Eventually, I came to accept the diagnosis, and we dragged him from appointment to appointment to appointment, but the initial flurry has died down, and life is pretty good for us now, with good routines and structures in place.

If you are a parent of a child with additional needs, it can feel pretty isolating. There are lots of great support groups out there though, either online or in the real world – here are some wee links for you to try out.

Mumsnet Special Needs support forum 
National Autistic Society forum 
Autism NI 
Learning SPACE's ASD tailored products 

And please, call in to Learning SPACE, or give us a call – we have lots of ideas, books and products that can help to make life a little easier for you and your child.

Gail Pascoe, Qualified teacher of Special Needs and Music, and mum to 3 completely brilliant goblins, one of whom happens to have Autism.