SWARTHMORE ROAD a New Service opening in November 2007 for young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders as part of autism. west midlands independent and supported living schemes developments.




Near Bournville College : Those living at Swarthmore Road will attend local college provision as part of their continuing education as well as acquiring more independent living and life skills, developing their own lifestyles and planning for the future. If this is of interest, please contact: Allan White 0121 450 7584 or allanw@autismwestmidlands.org.uk

autism west midlands is an independent provider of services for people with autistic spectrum disorders ( ASD ) and associated conditions and seeks to raise awareness of ASD among the general public and professionals working in the field of Health, Education, Social Services and Voluntary Services. Supported Living Schemes autism. west midlands provides a range of residential and supported living opportunities with the primary focus on enabling each individual to achieve his or her full potential in everyday living in a safe and supportive environment. Those supporting the service users act in a supporting and ‘facilitating’ role and will have an understanding of the emotional, physical, social and intellectual ability of people with autistic spectrum disorders.

YOUNG PEOPLE IN ‘TRANSITION’

We recognise that young people with ASD need to access opportunities in the lifelong learning process which will enable them to develop individual lifestyles as a as a ‘next step’ provision. We are establishing a Swarthmore Road to help those in transition, perhaps who are leaving school or college and need to learn to live away from their parental home. We do however recognise that maintaining contact with family and friends is as an important part of growing and maturing process.

Continuing Education and Activities

We acknowledge the concept of lifelong learning for people with ASD is a significant issue along with young people themselves understanding the nature of ASD and the affect it has on their lives, the need for structure, continuity and strategies for managing change. To this end we aim to enable the young people living within our services to access continuing education opportunities at local specialist or mainstream colleges and/or access to training opportunities to establish ‘employability’ skills. External activities include visits to family and friends, cinema, bowling, swimming, keep-fit, pubs, cafes, restaurants, chosen place of worship and holidays to a variety of destinations. In-house activities include arts and crafts, music, gardening, board games, computer literacy, domestic skills, shopping for provisions, self-help skills, social skills training and independent living skills.