Adult Services

Autism is a spectrum, and as such it includes a wide range of individuals. For some individuals autism is also accompanied by a learning disability, but others have average or above average intellectual ability.

People with autism include those who need a great deal of support: those who can live independently by managing their lives within the parameters of their own needs. Indeed some people in this latter group may remain unknown to supporters or service providers unless a breakdown occurs in their own managing strategies.

Autism Sussex supports people whose levels of ability range from severe autism and learning difficulties to people with Asperger syndrome who are working.

Autism Sussex provides services which are autism friendly, individualistic, structured, predictable and low arousal which enables people to manage their anxieties, stress and social interactions more successfully.

People with autism benefit from a structured lifestyle and each service-user has their own timetable of daily events, supported through the use of TEACCH pictures or word symbols.

Each of our service-users has a member of staff who focuses on their needs and case work; these key workers attend meetings, reviews and appointments, as well as caring for the day to day needs of the person. All staff undergo a comprehensive induction programme and receive regular autism specific training, as well as training in a wide range of communication methods such as TEACCH and Makaton.