Aims and Achievements

The aim of Community Support is to promote as much independence as is safely possible and to provide clear, individual structures for each service user. Working with young adults with Autism Spectrum Conditions who present certain challenges for which specialist care is needed, including challenging behaviour and limited social skills, Community Support aims to provide each service user with the necessary support, nurturing each individual towards a higher degree of independence.

Each young adult enjoys a busy daily schedule and is supported during a wide range of activities, including horse-riding, trampolining, bowling, swimming, local college, theatre trips and even on holiday. The different houses regularly get together socially, maybe for a meal out, for a coffee or for birthday parties, enabling both staff and service users to form and maintain friendships.

Of course, besides the fun stuff, each service user is actively involved in the day to day running of their home. From shopping and meal preparation to washing and ironing their own clothing, each service user is encouraged to perform the household tasks we all have to do at home.

A common question is whether all this educating and nurturing is likely to have the result that we all want: a service user living in their own home without 24 hour support. Due to the nature of Autism and the challenging behaviour or limited social skills exhibited by the people we work with, it is the structured lifestyle and support that enables them to enjoy a significant measure of independence. We provide a life-long service and are deeply committed to each service user we have the privilege to work with.

	Introduction		Working with Community Support
	In the Background		The Houses