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The Prior Approach is our specialist approach and philosophy which underpins
not only the interventions, therapeutic provision, learningal programme and
adapted environment but also the values and system of management
throughout Prior's Court's autism services. It unites best autism practice and
research with an understanding of the needs of each individual. It aims to
provide a toolkit of skills which will support them throughout their life in
gaining independence and meeting their physical, intellectual and emotional
needs.
Prior's Court Young Adult Provision
Prior's Court Young Adult Provision was set up in 2011 to meet the continuing
needs of young adults who are leaving school, providing them with a transitional
step towards a more inclusive life within the community. It offers 52-week
residential care within three on-site and one off-site residential care homes, and
an on-site Learning Centre.
Definition of the Special Needs of the Service Users
Prior's Court Young Adult Provision caters for young adults of both sexes between
the ages of 19* and 25 who are on the autism spectrum, have moderate to severe
learning difficulties and complex needs.
A young adult with complex autism can be typically defined as having:
• Difficulties in communication - for the young adults this will mean that
they have difficulties in understanding and initiating communication. Some
young adults may be pre-verbal and require additional strategies such as
objects, symbols and signs to support their understanding and ability to
communicate.
• Difficulties in social interaction - the young adults will have difficulties in
understanding social rules and situations and will require additional support
to learn to understand and manage everyday social interactions.
*In exceptional circumstances young adults may be accepted to the Young Adult Provision
at age 18 with the agreement of the CEO. For requests to stay on beyond the planned leave
date at 25, please refer to the Admissions Policy.
• Difficulties in imagination and flexibility of thought - for the young adults
this will mean they will experience difficulties in a range of situations
including predicting what will happen next, understanding the concept of
danger and engaging in imaginative activities. Young adults will require
additional support to understand the world around them.
• Sensory differences - the young adults may experience some form of
sensory sensitivity. This can occur in one or more of the five senses - sight,
sound, smell, touch, and taste. A person's senses are either intensified
(hypersensitive) or under-sensitive (hypo-sensitive) affecting the way they
perceive and manage the world around them.