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Manleys help in the global battle against autism

Struggling against autism is a fact of life for millions of families, but an innovative project, engineered with the help of Manleys, aims to change that.

Simple Steps has worked side-by-side with world-renowned professionals and real families to build the world’s first collaborative online teaching-tool for autism, welcoming parents to the world of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) – the only scientifically validated treatment for autism. The team at Manleys added their expertise to the project by creating the cutting-edge interactive website (www.simplestepsautism.com) as well as the accompanying multimedia packs and resources…all in four languages.

A project of this magnitude – unifying the often incompatible worlds of science, academia, charity, and health with creativity and innovation – is a significant feather in Northern Ireland’s cap. With approximately 67 million autism sufferers worldwide, Simple Steps can change lives around the globe and want to ensure that the support that parents desperately need is accessible, affordable, and sustainable.

A much-needed boost in support for families, the tool also helps to ease the strain on over-burdened health services. Although not designed to replace qualified Behaviour Analysts, it offers parents the chance to embrace the challenge of ABA and create a brighter future for them and their child. The online tool provides guidance from ABA experts, real footage, educational animations, a supportive online community, and much more allowing members to take their first steps to becoming ‘parent-therapists’. Partners such as the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, charity PEAT (Parents’ Education as Autism Therapists), and Invest N.I. helped to bring the project to life.

Professor Lester Manley, Chairman of Simple Steps, said: “Simple Steps can revolutionise the autism sector in the United Kingdom and around the world. The program is unique and it is constantly evolving thanks to our members – we know what works for them because they tell us.”

In addition to providing affordable parent support, Simple Steps is dedicated to preserving the integrity of ABA, and reinvesting heavily in the autism sector. PEAT Chairman, Dr Tony Byrne, said: “This is a fantastic development for the global autism community. The online platform means millions of parents are just a click away from the guidance and support they’re missing out on.”

(L-R) PEAT Chairman, Dr Tony Byrne, Simple Steps Chairman, Lester Manley, and Lorraine McDowell, Director of Operations with The Arts Council of Northern Ireland.