Person-centred support
P came to live in one of our specialist residential properties, purpose-built for the delivery of complex-care. When staff first supported P, they realised he was struggling to express his emotions, often becoming overwhelmed and finding it hard to communicate his needs. P’s staff team took the time to really get to know him, learning how best to provide the right support and meet his needs.

P had some sensory issues that made everyday activities difficult for him. For example, he sometimes preferred not to wear clothes which was likely a way for him to feel more comfortable and less restricted. Initially, he found it hard to adjust to his new routine and environment, but his team worked patiently to help him settle in. 

A major turning point in his care was our staff’s discovery that P had been diagnosed with ADHD as a child, but had not been receiving the medication he needed for it. During his transition from children’s to adult’s services this had been overlooked. Our staff worked with doctors to reintroduce this vital medication and soon saw a profound change. P was now calmer, more focused, and better able to engage with those around him.

Progress and engagement
From here, P began to show real progress. His team introduced visual aids and structured routines to help him feel more confident and secure in his new home. By respecting his preferences and adapting their approach, the team created an environment where P felt safe and supported.

Over time, P started to engage in activities that might have seemed impossible for him just a short time before. He began taking baths without problem and started venturing out into the local area. We found that P particularly loved the water and planned regular swimming sessions with him. He also enjoyed the peacefulness of cemeteries and would often choose to visit for their quiet and calming atmosphere.

When staff first took P to a local beach, he was excited to play in the shallows and enjoy this new experience. It was a reminder of how far P had come in a short time. 

One challenge for his staff team was P’s relationship with food. He had various food-related anxieties and could become fixated on his next mealtime. Staff decided to introduce healthy snack boxes to help him manage this anxiety and also reduce hunger between meals. This small change made a huge difference, reducing his anxiety and helping him eat more healthily.

Positive Behaviour Support
As part of ensuring the right professionals were involved in planning a positive transition for P, he was referred to our Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) team.

Sarah Williams, Autism Together’s PBS Practitioner, worked closely with the Admissions team through P’s referral and move into our services. She helped staff to understand P’s complex behaviours and lessen any potential distress he might feel during the move itself.

Sarah then worked alongside fellow PBS Practitioner Gaulthier Dupont, throughout P’s successful transition into our services. They were on hand to support the team in reporting and recording P’s adjustment to life at Autism Together. Through behavioural assessments, they were able to learn the functions of his behaviours and understand how to support him to meet his needs in other ways.

They were able to understand P’s preferred methods of communication and then work with staff to ensure the way in which they interacted with P helped him have his needs met, in turn reducing challenging behaviours.

Looking forward
P has successfully learned to communicate his preferences, whether that is choosing his support staff, or pointing to the television programme he wants to watch. He dresses smartly when going out, still enjoys trips to the swimming pool, and likes to visit local pubs and shops.

P is now looking towards the next chapter of his support journey, preparing to move into his own flat with Autism Together. This transition will give him even more independence, while ensuring he continues to receive the support he needs. 

His staff team couldn’t be more proud of how far he has come. As one team member said: “We never thought we’d see the day where P would walk into a shop or sit in a pub. But he’s done it, and he’s thriving. He’s shown us all what’s possible with the right support.” 

P’s journey shows what can happen when support is tailored, compassionate, and truly person‑centred. His staff are so pleased with his progress. For P himself, he can move forward with confidence towards a brighter and more fulfilling future.

• Click here to find out more about the different services we provide for autistic adults.