Anxiety of autistic Aaron Wells-McCole will be reduced thanks to light sensory pack

Aaron Wells-McCole with the bubble fish tube

Aaron Wells-McCole, a four-year-old boy from Littleborough, who has autism, has received a potentially life changing Autism Sensory Pack, thanks to funding support from Caudwell Children.

Aaron has a challenging condition which sees him experiencing extreme meltdowns in which he becomes increasingly aggressive. When this happens he struggles to calm down as he is unable to self-soothe.

His behaviour is often difficult to manage but his mother, Chrissie, found that specialist sensory lighting appeared to reduce his anxiety.

Unfortunately, due to the cost of the specialist equipment, the family were unable to buy the lighting that Aaaron, a pupil at Smithybridge Primary School, so desperately needed.

Now, thanks to Caudwell Children, Aaron has been provided with a selection of sensory equipment that will calm him down, reduce his anger, and help him to reach his potential.

Chrissie, aged 33, is confident that the Autism Sensory Pack will make a huge difference to her son’s life. As she explained: “The lighting will improve Aaron’s well-being immeasurably and it will have a profound effect on him. We’ve created a safe place for him where he can take his toys and calm down.

“The lights have already begun to help him relax and be himself and they are a great distraction from his stress and anxiety.”

Chrissie says that without the support of Caudwell Children, the family wouldn’t have been able to buy the equipment. She said: “Unfortunately, this equipment doesn’t come cheap.

"The total cost was £1,315.88, which is way beyond many families. I felt awful as every parent wants to be able to help their child, by giving them what they need.

“When I found out that the charity’s fundraising support had raised the outstanding balance for the equipment I was overwhelmed. I gave Aaron a huge hug, looked him in the face, and said to him ‘I can help you now.’ It was very emotional and without the charity’s help Aaron wouldn’t have had any respite from his condition.”

The pack includes a bubble tube, acrylic mirrors, bubble fish tube, a pump, an LED lightsource, and a fibre optic sideglow. Each feature has been designed to engage and calm the children who use them.

Aaron’s two sisters, Amy, 7, and Molly, 2, also love the equipment, says Chrissie. As she explained: “It’s all about developing the senses at Molly’s age and she can’t get enough of the lights, whilst Amy really likes the fish in the bubble tube. The equipment is bringing the children together more, which we didn’t anticipate. It’s brilliant.”

Trudi Beswick, Chief Executive of Caudwell Children said: “Unbelievably, there are on average 100,000 disabled children waiting for appropriate equipment, some of which is not supported through statutory funding. The Mixed Light Sensory Pack will benefit Aaron hugely by reducing his frustration and helping to distract him from his daily discomforts.”