This week is World Autism Acceptance Week.
Autism is a complex developmental disability, which affects how the individual understands and engages with the world around them. It is considered to be a spectrum disorder, which means that the degree to which people are affected by it, varies from mild to severe. Latest research indicates that autism affects approximately 1 in 100 people (approx half a million people in the UK).
Whilst the degree to which each person is impacted by autism may vary, there are common characteristics of an autistic spectrum disorder:
- impairment of verbal and non-verbal communication
- difficulties with developing social relationships
- lack of flexibility leading to repetitive or routine-bound behaviours
- impaired imaginative ability in play or creativity, for example, when writing
- sensory processing difficulties
Like all of us, people with autism have individual strengths and weaknesses. The majority of pupils at Quest school have a diagnosis at the severe end of the autistic spectrum, and also have moderate to severe learning disabilities. Some of our students have additional co-existing conditions such as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), dyslexia or dyspraxia. For all our students, the extent of their autism and learning disabilities has a very significant impact on their lives and their independence.
At Quest School we firmly believe that the education we provide for our students will significantly change their prospects for their adult lives. Whilst not all our students will eventually be able to live independently, our aim is to maximise the opportunities that are available to them, and help them to reach their potential. We believe they are all capable of making a positive contribution to their community both at school and during their adult lives, as well as living a fulfilled and enriched life.