As most of you know, my lovely little brother Saul attends a brilliant school for children with Autism and severe learning difficulties called TreeHouse School.

TreeHouse was founded by parents of children who had a child with Autism and severe communication difficulties. They realised that there was no school available to meet the needs of their children, including my parents! It was the first school in the UK to use the principles of ABA, which has been shown to be a highly effective methodology to teach children with autism. It has been incredibly important to me throughout my life, because of my love for my brother, and I want the best education possible for him and other children like him. 

 

I am going to do a 10k sponsored run in order to raise money for TreeHouse School. I am specifically running to raise money to develop the musical provision at TreeHouse. Those of you who have had the pleasure of meeting Saul, know how much music means to him, the joy it brings to him and the immense role it plays in his life. Music is brilliant for him as he can address so many of his learning needs while having fun and developing his talent. He is learning to play instruments, especially drum kit, he is learning scales, to develop his voice and singing skills; even to read music. His sense of rhythm, pitch and ability to play piano and drums astounds me! He enjoys it so much, and through it he brings happiness and pleasure to others. 

  

He is developing his coordination and other gross motor skills through dance; his fine motor skills through playing instruments, his oral motor skills through voice and developing his ability to sing. He is developing his communication skills and his social skills through playing in a group or band with others. So music provides vital and wonderful opportunities for him and other children like him. 

  

I want to raise money to improve the musical facilities at his school as the music provision is very under resourced there. They need specialist music teachers trained to help children with learning and communication difficulties. They desperately need music equipment particularly drum kits, as this is the instrument that the children like best, especially Saul!  

  

Please sponsor me generously and help to bring music and happiness to these children, who have so much difficulty in their lives. 

  

To sponsor me visit my page: http://www.justgiving.com/miazurszpiro 

  

Check out Treehouse: http://www.treehouse.org.uk/ 

  

Thank you so much! 

  

Mia Zur-Szpiro