Children are doing it for themselves!

Autism services locally have often struggled to raise funds, but one group of children with Autism has adopted a gung-ho attitude and are doing it for themselves. Eleven boys and one girl from Ballinamere NS ASD unit last week recorded three self-penned songs, and tonight (Thursday) are launching a fundraising CD in The Wolftrap in Tullamore. "Units of Rock" includes twelve singers from first class upwards in the ASD unit in the local school, with musical support coming from teachers Shaun Greville on drums, Claire O'Sullivan on guitar and Eimear Dunne on percussion. The musical group got together last year, on the suggestion of the students themselves. The first song the group tackled was "Edge of Glory" by Lady Gaga, and teacher Shaun Greville said everything has developed from there. Last year on World Autism Day the group staged a concert in Ballinamere NS for family and friends that raised approximately €1,500, while a further €2,000 was raised as part of a fundraising night in The Wolftrap last June. Practice takes place once a week, with that increasing to once a day coming up to concerts. "They respond really well to music," Mr Greville explained, adding that band members are also "enjoying the attention they're getting" on the back of their musical adventure. The title track of the CD being launched by Units of Rock tonight is "Christmas Time". The group also recorded "Kids" by MGMT and "Pricetag" by Jesse J when they visited The Nutshed recording studio in Clara on November 27 last, and both of these tunes are also featured on the three track CD. Tonight's event in The Wolftrap in Tullamore will include performances by Units of Rock as well as Paul and his Traditional All-Stars and The Conns. Already Mr Greville said the original 250-strong CD production has almost sold out, with more to be produced for the pre-Christmas rush. "They're absolutely flying out the door," he said. "We produced 250 but we're going to have to make more." All money raised through the CD project will go back into Ballinamere's three classroom ASD unit. The money will specifically go towards the student's integration and social programme, which includes social trips to libraries, coffee shops and swimming pools as well as a cookery programme that's carried out with other local students. Anyone interested in picking up a copy of the CD can do so for just €5 tonight at The Wolftrap. The CD is also available from Ballinamere NS on 057 9341687.