Cookstown's Team Aspie aim to lift stigma around autism with gala concert

Not even two years on from its inception, Cookstown's Team Aspie (short for Asperger's) now boasts over 50 members, attracting youngsters from all across the North.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Mar 2016, 15:06 BST
Updated 23rd Mar 2016, 15:12 BST
Three original members, Jane, Ben and Richard, centre, of Team AspieThree original members, Jane, Ben and Richard, centre, of Team Aspie
Three original members, Jane, Ben and Richard, centre, of Team Aspie

And just in time for autism awareness month (April) its young members and their parents are putting on their first ever gala concert in the town in an effort to ‘lift the stigma’ surrounding autistic spectrum disorders (ASD).

The spectacular display, for which practice is in full swing, will see youngsters who are diagnosed with ASD take to the stage, work behind the scenes and even learn some new skills for the show on Saturday, April 9.

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“It’s really to raise awareness for Asperger’s,” said Tracy Collins, mother of Team Aspie founder Richard.

Team Aspie members and committee receiving their award from Lidl with Carol DoeyTeam Aspie members and committee receiving their award from Lidl with Carol Doey
Team Aspie members and committee receiving their award from Lidl with Carol Doey

“April is autism awareness month and as Asperger’s Syndrome is part of autism we want to... lift the stigma and lift the myth that surrounds autism to let everybody see these kids are really quite awesome.

“Everybody within Team Aspie is involved,” she went on. “We run from the ages of 11-18 and then they come with a parent as well.”

The group, which meets every other Tuesday in the Hub, also offers support to the parents - and they too will be involved in the gala concert, which will be compered by singer Malachi Cush.

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“Some are back stage, quite a few are on stage - that includes the parents,” Tracy added.

Parents whotook part in a relay race last year for Team Aspie with marathon man Philip AndersonParents whotook part in a relay race last year for Team Aspie with marathon man Philip Anderson
Parents whotook part in a relay race last year for Team Aspie with marathon man Philip Anderson

“Some are getting involved with the technical side, photography, lighting, all that. Some are helping out with costumes and with make-up.

“It’s a variety performance, so we have music and song and sketches.”

As for what founder, Richard, is doing on the night, he said: “I am singing and helping out on a few other sets.”

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Now 15, Richard was diagnosed with Asperger’s when he was seven, but after searching for groups for young people like him, found there was none.

Team Aspie members and committee receiving their award from Lidl with Carol DoeyTeam Aspie members and committee receiving their award from Lidl with Carol Doey
Team Aspie members and committee receiving their award from Lidl with Carol Doey

Team Aspie was founded in June 2014. Starting with just three members, but now they are “going from strength-to-strength” welcoming new members at every meeting.

Their gala concert, titled ASD - A Spectacular Display, is on Saturday, April 9 at 7.30pm.

The “real good family night’s entertainment” will be opened by Mid Ulster District Council chair Linda Dillon.

Tickets, which cost £10, are available from the Burnavon.

Related topics:North