5th November 2025
Matthew is a loving 8-year-old with beautiful blue eyes and beautiful blonde hair. Matthew has a diagnosis of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and additional learning needs. Matthew requires regular short breaks within a family environment to enable his parents to have a well-earned break from their full-time caring roles and to allow them to spend time with Matthew’s little sister.
Matthew presents as a quiet, happy and loving little boy. He enjoys playing alone, completing alphabet puzzles and watching YouTube video. Matthew enjoys watching the same part of a YouTube video over and over again.
Matthew also loves being outside, going to the park, playground, soft play and spending time on his trampoline.
He is an affectionate child who loves to give and receive hugs. Matthew loves having stories read to him. He is a very tactile child who enjoys one-to-one adult interaction and will place your hand on his head if he is seeking this out. He enjoys tickles and will prompt you to tickle him by saying ‘tickle tickle’.
Matthew has very limited speech, but don’t be fooled, he is very able to tell you what he wants in his own way. Matthew thrives on routine and really benefits from being prepared for what his day will look like. Matthew will use visuals to understand his routine and will communicate with his carers using words such as ‘Yes, No or I want’. Matthew will also use some simple Makaton signs and visuals. Matthew requires support from his carers to attend to his personal care.
Matthew attends a specialist educational school. School describes him as a delight to teach and remark on how well he is coming on. They state he is an absolute joy to have around, and state he doesn’t present with any behavioural issues.
Matthew loves listening to nursery rhymes in the car and hearing about his day’s plans, using communication aids like ‘first and then’.
Like many children his age, Matthew’s favourite food is chocolate. He also enjoys eating pasta, rice, chicken, cereal, chicken nuggets, plain sausages, or sausage rolls. Matthew has recently begun to try new foods including fruit and is slowly getting used to them.
Matthew has a favourite cup which he drinks out of all of the time. He brings this everywhere with him and it provides a comfort to him.
Matthew is a good sleeper, he is prescribed melatonin and responds well to a wind-down period to settle to sleep. He will then remain asleep throughout the night waking up at 7am.
Matthew needs reliable short break carers who are willing to learn and make a difference to him and his family. With short break carers, there is flexibility to coordinate the overnight short breaks and still maintain your own commitments. The Trust will provide wraparound support to Matthew’s short break carers which will include:
- Payment of a fee for the short breaks you offer
- Support from a supervising social worker within Belfast HSC Trust’s Short Breaks for Children with a Disability team
- Ongoing engagement and advice from the multi-disciplinary team involved with children who avail of short breaks
- Specialist training to meet the needs of specific children, like Matthew
- Ongoing training to develop confidence and expertise
- Out of hours support from the regional emergency social work service
Virtual information session
We are hosting a child-specific virtual information session on Tuesday 18 November from 7.30pm-9.00pm where you can come along and hear more about Matthew.
To register for this event please give us a call on 0800 0720 137 or email your details to: hello@adoptionandfostercare.hscni.net
You may also complete an online enquiry form
*name changed and stock image used to protect child’s identity