Education and Services for People with Autism Limited

Education and Services for People with Autism Limited

INTRODUCTION

Education and Services for People with Autism Limited (ESPA) provides the highest quality of community based care, support and education to over 100 people with an autism spectrum disorder throughout the North East.

WHAT IS AUTISM?

Autism is a life-long disability, believed to be caused by organic brain damage. The spectrum of autistic conditions covers a wide range. It varies from profound severity to others with average or above average intelligence.

Autism often occurs with other learning disabilities.

People with autism have a disability characterised by a triad of impairments (barriers to achievement) as follows:

·  Absence or impairment of two-way social interaction

·  Absence or impairment of comprehension and the use of language and non-verbal communication

·  Absence or impairment of true flexible imaginative activity, with the substitute of a narrow range of repetitive, stereotyped pursuits.

This disability leads to related problems which may include:

·  Resistance to change

·  Obsession or ritualistic behaviour

·  High levels of anxiety

·  Lack of motivation

·  Inability to transfer skills from one setting to another

·  Vulnerability, and susceptibility to exploitation

·  Depression

·  Challenging behaviour

·  Self injury

OUR COMMITMENT

ESPA Limited is committed to the principles of Community Care and supporting people with disabilities to lead as normal a life as possible within their own homes, or a homely environment, with the assistance they require to enable them to achieve maximum independence.

AIMS OF THE ORGANISATION

The organisation aims to:

1.  Develop a range of services and models of provision that enables it to provide packages of care and support tailored to the needs and requirements of each person.

2.  Provide people with autism and Asperger’s syndrome with a flexible and responsive service which consistently meets their changing requirements and expectations.

3.  Work in partnership with Housing providers, Local Authorities, Education and Health Authorities, to ensure that each person receives a comprehensive and coordinated package of care, support and accommodation.

4.  Provide a highly individualised and specialised service which has strategies and systems In place that consistently guarantees addressing the specific barriers to achievement inherent within this disability; social interaction, communication and imagination.

5.  Support each individual to achieve their full potential for independence in every aspect of their lives.

6.  Support each person to develop a full and active lifestyle based upon their particular needs, wishes, preferences and interests.