mASCot is a parent-led peer-to-peer support network for families who have a child or young person with an Autism Spectrum Condition. mASCot delivers a range of activities for parent/carers and children, including through a group set up in East Brighton in 2020.

Autism is a life-long developmental condition that, amongst other issues, affects social interaction, sensory processing and emotional regulation. The mASCot East Brighton Girls' Group is a place where autistic primary-school aged girls can meet with others to socialise, make friends and have fun in an autism-friendly environment. They do all sorts of activities, from arts and crafts to slime-making and Lego. Each week there is one main craft activity, after which the girls are encouraged to do some physical and / or interactive play to let off some steam and, importantly, get to know each other.

In 2021 the group applied to us for funding to purchase some play equipment and games to help the girls play together. The funds went towards:

1)      an indoor mini-trampoline

2)      A play-parachute (good for building cooperation and social interaction)

3)      a set of sports-day type equipment (e.g. sack race bags)

4)      an indoor pop up football set

5)      two inflatable exercise / play balls (good for sensory regulation too) and an electric pump

6)      a set of board games (e.g. Kerplunk, Buckaroo, Guess Who?)

7)      a small gazebo for summer park meets

8)      three end of term guest facilitators (Bubble Man, Live-Love-Hula, Music Mike)

In May, EBT were invited along to meet the group. We enjoyed talking to the girls and their parents/ carers and seeing them getting stuck into their craft activity.