Autism
Autism – also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – is a developmental disability that affects how a person interacts and communicates with others. It encompasses a wide range of difficulties, such as cognitive impairment, repetitive activity, sensitivity to sensory input, and learning, emotional or behavioural problems.
As such, no two people with autism are the same: every individual exhibits their own distinct traits, experiences very different challenges, and has unique abilities and potential.
We specialise in tailored support for people with autism. We shape our services around each individual’s capabilities and choices, using a person-centred approach and positive behaviour support.
Many of the people we support have communication problems. Some simply have difficulties understanding the nuances of conversation, and some don’t use speech at all.
So, a dedicated team of staff works with each person, taking time to understand their challenges, to develop a support plan that best suits their methods of communication.
To achieve this, our staff undertake specialist training, such as:
- Introduction to autism spectrum disorders
- Introduction to Asperger’s syndrome
- Sensory world of people with autism
- Challenging behaviour
- The National Autistic Society’s SPELL (Structure, Positive approaches and expectations, Empathy, Low arousal, Links) framework
- The TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication-handicapped Children) approach
To cement our commitment to providing excellence in support, we have achieved the National Autistic Society’s Autism Accreditation in a number of our services.
Download our booklet on Autism that explains what autism is, challenges associated with autism and what person-centred support is available for individuals with autism.
Other support and services
The Involvement Conference
The Involvement Conference echoes our belief that each person we support has a right to choose how they want to be supported. It reiterates our promise to always listen and provide services as unique as each individual we support.
Transition Support
Our transition support is designed to help individuals enjoy a smooth transition through major life changes: for example, through the move from children’s to adult services, or from the family home or residential college to independent living.
Personalisation
Personalisation is an approach to social care that focuses on putting individuals at the very centre of the support and services they receive.
Learning Disabilities
Having a learning disability means an individual can find it harder to learn certain life skills. The problems and challenges faced by individuals with learning disabilities vary in severity, but always start before adulthood and affect them for their…
Acquired Brain Injuries
An acquired brain injury (ABI) is injury or damage to the brain that can have any number of causes, such as stroke, a tumour or a road traffic accident. People with ABI have ‘acquired’ their brain injury, and weren’t born with it.
Complex Needs
A person with complex needs might have one or a combination of difficulties, including profound and multiple learning disabilities, physical disabilities, sensory impairments, and challenging behaviour.
Direct Payments
Direct payments give individuals greater choice and control over the support they receive and how it’s provided.
Supported Living
Supported living services enable individuals with a disability to live independently in their own home, with appropriate support to help them manage their own tenancy and achieve greater freedom and control in their lives. Support can be provided in…
Residential Care
For people who aren’t ready or able to live independently, small-scale residential care is often a really good option. Our residential care is provided in shared accommodation where support staff are around 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We provide…
Creative Learning
The Creative Learning team was established with an aim to engage adults with learning disabilities in meaningful daytime group activities.
Extra Care
We provide extra care – also known assisted living – at specially developed sites that enable individuals to hold their own tenancy.