'You're not alone': Meet-up appeal for Moray parents of ASN kids
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A MUM campaigning for better education for children with additional support needs (ASN) has called on affected parents to come together.
Lossiemouth mum Chelsea Findlay, whose son Arran (3) is autistic, said regular meetups could help Moray parents of children with ASN deal with a sometimes "scary and isolating" situation.
Parents who would like to get involved, by meeting up for a chat or a cup of coffee, can contact Chelsea through her TikTok page.
She said: "It would be great idea to start a local ASN mum group in Moray.
"Parents can feel free to contact me through my TikTok or the ASN Reform Scotland page to arrange a meet up if they're feeling isolated, or even just to tell me their story.
"I'm right here in the Moray area and we can set up a group, we can talk, we can go for coffee.
"Even though it can be very scary and isolating, ASN parents are not alone. You're not alone."
Chelsea said she had heard from Moray parents of children with ASN who have faced significant difficulties within the education system.
"There are a lot of mums in Moray facing the same problem, struggling to find the right education for their children with additional needs," she said.
"We have absolutely nothing here in Moray for pre-school kids too.
"In the local area, there is a massive need for a ASN school, or even just provision in more schools."
Through talking with other local mums, she said, she had heard of a host of "awful experiences" which have led to children "missing out" on education.
She said: "I have spoken to mums in Moray with older children with ASN, who have had awful experiences.
"They've been told: 'Right, your child has had a meltdown today and we've tried everything we can. You're going to have to come and collect them.'
"And that child is missing out on the education they are entitled to."
Despite the sometimes difficult circumstances involved in being a parent of a child with ASN, Chelsea believes they have a chance to do great things by coming together.
She said: "If all us ASN mums stick together, hopefully we'll achieve something too, you know?"
