A Lisburn mum has praised a North Belfast school that goes 'above and beyond' and gives 'hope'.
Alma White's son Caleb (14) who as autism, ADHD and sensory and learning difficulties attends Harberton North Special School.
The family has launched a fundraiser to help the school get a therapy assistance dog which costs around £6000.
Read more: NI mum explains how she spotted early signs of autism in her daughter
Alma told Be : "Caleb was diagnosed with autism when he was two and we moved back here [from America] when he was about a two and a half.
"He was attended a special school since he was three. It was very evident that he had autism and he didn't speak until he was six.
"He started Harberton (South campus) in P4 and they are just outstanding. I don't even know what to say. They are just brilliant.
"Harberton has offered so much HOPE to so many families, Mr Curran, the principal, and the staff members are outstanding. They go above and beyond everyday and we want to give something back to show a small token of our thanks.
"We are raising money for the North campus, as because it is a new campus they just don't have the [same] resources that the South does.
"Autism is such a lonely journey but we are so grateful for the progress Caleb has made and how much care, support and learning opportunities Harberton offers.
"They have 100% supported the whole family. I don't know what I'd do without them. They are absolutely outstanding.
"Nothing is ever too much trouble and they always go the extra mile. They are just so child centred and so good to families.
"The support comes when you send your child to school each day and you're not worrying about them, which is massive when they have special needs because they are so vulnerable."
Alma added: "Therapy dogs provide a range of positive experiences for pupils, including developing social engagement and communication skills, providing reassurance and comfort along with sensory stimulation.
"A lot of it is developing their social skills as well.
"That is Caleb's weakest area. When he was very small, we got a dog and I had never thought we would get a dog. Caleb's first word was the dog's name."
This made Alma release the positive impact their pet had on her son, and said a therapy assistance dog for Harberton North would make a huge difference.
The mum-of-three added: "Children with autism sometimes are kind of in their own world. They can hear what you are saying but they take a long time to process it.
"For Caleb, when we had our dog I threw a ball at it. Caleb saw the ball and picked it up and just started to throw the ball towards the dog and I was like, 'Oh my goodness, he is initiating', which is massive.
"It's creating that relationship and teaching them to step out of their own world and interact with others."
Harberton South currently has an assistance dog called Millie, which Caleb loves.
"Caleb loves Harberton. He loves going, loves the routine which is really key for children with autism. He doesn't always show it... but he'll skip, smile and run out the door.
"I don't think since the day he walked through their doors we've ever had a bad day. They are just a gift," Alma continued.
In the Whites' fundraising efforts to help raise funds for the cost of the dog for Harberton North, they climbed the seven mile walk up both Divis and Black Mountain on Easter Tuesday.
Principal Mr James Curran MBE said: "Harberton Special School, based on two sites in Belfast have recently welcomed their first Therapy Dog to the staff team. Millie has had an immediate impact on everyone connected with the school and has brought huge joy to the school for both pupils and staff.
"To see how she calms certain children, allowing them to access school and also help other children who find it difficult to focus or concentrate, is simply amazing.
"The fundraising efforts of Caleb, the entire White family and everyone who has donated is fantastic. I would like to say a special thank you to everyone, especially Mr and Mrs White and of course our own superstar Caleb."
To visit the fundraising campaign, CLICK HERE.
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