To begin with, he worked with a few children with an ASD diagnosis or presenting with ASD-type behaviours.Watching them play with Gavin was lovely to see. All the children loved learning the game but that was secondary; with Gavin, they showed their best selves. He listened and followed their cues and they responded so that lovely conversations sprung up. I could tell that they felt safe and heard and also special. Soon, the buzz got around Year 5. Children were begging me if they could do chess with Gavin!
School teacher: Cliftonville Primary school