A young Dublin student has given a glimpse into his daily life as he helps care for his brother with autism.
Tomas O Flanagain and his family work hard every day to ensure 13-year-old Liam can thrive in the world. Liam lives with his other brother Sean, his mother and her partner.
Tomas, 19, is a first year law student in DCU. He spends most of his day on campus but when he’s at home he has the important role of helping to care for his younger brother.
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The Finglas student gave Dublin Live an insight into what day-to-day life is like for his family.
"Liam gets up really early, like five or six in the morning so he needs someone around to make him breakfast and make sure he’s okay,” said Tomas.
Like many children with autism, Liam needs routine to stay calm and get through the day.
“He needs to know what's happening and when it’s happening if not he’ll get very upset and have transition anxiety," Tomas explains.
“He is a very hyper and happy kid. He’s very tall and strong and he’s very muscular. He gets frustrated easily because of his autism, he is more sensitive to noises."
Liam can struggle with sleep issues so routine is another way of helping the family get a good night's sleep.
“Some nights Liam won’t sleep at all if he’s very agitated or frustrated, other nights he’d just conk," says Tomas.
Despite the difficulties and challenges that the family encounters, together they embark everyday with a huge amount of love.
Liam is a very active child and his family makes sure he has plenty of activities to keep him busy, he loves being a part of the Meeting Place Club in Finglas and Finglas United Football For All.
Tomas said: “I’d bring him out and take his guide dog with him too, I’d bring him to the cinema just to get out of the house, to the shops or just to get a walk in.
"He loves playing football, he goes to training. He loves basketball, horse riding and cars. He loves watching YouTube and he’s sporty too."
Tomas, Liam and their family will feature on Saol Clainne on TG4 at 8:00pm tonight.
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