Autism Services

Many of the first young people educated and cared for by Spark of Genius were challenged by autism, especially high functioning young people, often with a diagnosis of Aspergers. These young people were referred as full and part time pupils within our schools, as part of a regular Monday afternoon ‘Aspergers Club’ at a local primary school, and in a Saturday morning club for young people on the spectrum which gave the children the ability to use our modern technology equipment whilst being in a safe and consistent environment where they could improve personal relationships with like minded people. The class ran for many years and was an excellent success, particularly with parents who believed that it was key in improving social contact whilst introducing the children to a classroom setting, albeit somewhat less formally.

Since the success of the Saturday class, there have been a number of children and young people referred to us who have Autism Spectrum Disorder. This has most recently been prevalent in our Dalsetter Learning Centre where a number of the children and young people are taught.

Born from these developments, the next logical step was to introduce a ring fenced Autism specific service within Spark of Genius. Laura Battles, Director of Autism Services at Spark, explains the concept behind the service:

“Alongside our portfolio of small, therapeutic residential homes, we have introduced the ‘Community Learning House’ model. This model has its basis on the understanding of the significant difficulties children and young people with autism have in generalising their learning. This 24/7, 365 day a year model offers residential care specifically to those with autism to develop and practice skills, supported by well trained care and education practitioners.

The methodologies employed in the care and education of the children and young people within the Community Learning House are based on principles of best practice in the field of autism research.”

Autism specific service:

Old Mill Community Learning House