Perthyn’s Specialist Support Service is recognised for the high quality of its understanding and support of individuals with autism by the National Autistic Society.
We have considerable experience of supporting many individuals on the autistic spectrum in their own homes, as well as in transition and day support services. We recognise people as individuals with strengths and preferences, putting them at the centre of their own care and support, facilitating decision making and involving people important to them. Our ability to provide this support is due to -
a) Effective Assessment
Effective and appropriate assessment underpins Perthyn’s whole approach. An individual’s support needs and wishes are ascertained in partnership with the individual themselves and those who are important to them and know them well.
b) Support planning and environmental design
The process of assessment will inform the content and delivery of support plans. It will also provide information to adjust the environment accordingly – for example if an individual is known to engage in self-injury or property destruction when anxious then the additional robustness and/or safety features can be built into the environment.
c) Maintaining and developing family and personal relationships
Adults with autism often have limited or no personal relationships and can have a history of restricted relationships with their family as a consequence of being in institutional care settings.
Promoting strong family relationships can include establishing strong and regular communication with family members, making them a part of the person centred planning process, and supporting family members to make sense of the experiences their relative with autism is having.
d) Promoting risk taking and independence
Developing independence and having new experiences is a positive way to develop an individual’s self-esteem, coping skills, and also to reduce their reliance on challenging behaviour to communicate. An active support approach maximises the number of opportunities an individual has to learn, whilst pitching the level of support and expectation of the person at an appropriate level.
e) Appropriate staff training
Supporting an individual to achieve their support goals requires ongoing training and support for staff. This training will include understanding challenging behaviour and autism awareness.
