Christine Haugh and Matt Connolly are the SNAAP Coordinators. Christine launched SNAAP and is the parent of two sons diagnosed with autistic spectrum conditions. Matt has experience and training in working with indivuduals who have autism, and is a teacher at Finchley Catholic High School. Christine and Matt can be contacted with queries via email on christine@snaaponline.co.uk or matt@snaaponline.co.uk.

HOW LONG HAS SNAAP BEEN RUNNING?

SNAAP has been running since 2004! It has expanded considerably since it began and SNAAP believes it is now the largest weekly activity for families affected by autistic spectrum conditions in the London Borough of Barnet.

WHO FUNDS SNAAP?

SNAAP is funded by grants provided by the London Borough of Barnet.

SNAAP is unique in the commitment/involvement it gets from Finchley Catholic High School! SNAAP is co-run by Matt Connolly, a teacher at Finchley Catholic High School. During term-time, Matt manages a team of SNAAP “buddies”. The buddies are a vital part of SNAAP. The buddies are students at the School, who each receive autism awareness training and who befriend SNAAP members each session, providing positive role models and facilitating SNAAP members’ positive social interactions.

During the 2007 Summer Holidays, SNAAP has employed a team of University Students, themselves trained in working with autistic spectrum conditions, as SNAAP Summer Support Workers for the members.

WHAT DO MEMBERS DO AT SNAAP?

• Play computer games (learning turn-taking, sharing, social skills)
• Learn computer skills (use Word, Excel, Internet, Powerpoint, etc)
• Amateur Digital Photography sessions
• Art sessions (different projects each week)
• Learn how to help design/update SNAAP website
• Drama and Movement Sessions
• Taking part in creating short documentary about SNAAP (camera work, interviewing, editing)
• Regular parties (end of each term), to practice social skills and have fun

SPECIAL EVENTS FOR MEMBERS!

One bonus of membership is that SNAAP regularly runs special events for its members!
All special events are free of charge to members!
In 2007 the special events included:

• Christmas Party, with presents for every child
• Easter Party, with a Treasure Hunt and Lindt Chocolate Bunnies for every child
• BBQ/Sports Day
• Day trip to Legoland- 60 SNAAP members attended, along with 15 students/staff from Finchley Catholic High School
• Robot Wars Workshop! 30 children worked in teams, designing and building robots, with a friendly competition at the end of the workshop!

Forthcoming events will be posted in the “News” section of the SNAAP website.  

WHAT SUPPORT IS OFFERED PARENTS/CARERS AT SNAAP?

At SNAAP, parents/carers are offered the following support:

• An opportunity to sit down, relax, and socialise with other parents/carers in our “parents’ relaxation room”, while your child/children enjoy themselves in a safe and supervised environment
• Up to date, accurate information on financial benefits/discounts available to families affected by autistic spectrum conditions (Disability Living Allowance, Cinema Passes, etc)
• Regular Parent/carer workshops led by Barnet professionals. In the past year, Barnet Parent Partnership, Barnet Speech Therapists, and Barnet Autism Advisory Team have all run workshops at SNAAP for parents/carers.

All support, including workshops, is offered free of charge.
Mothers, fathers, grandparents, nannies, au pairs and childminders have attended workshops this year.