The Integrated Life and Social Skills programme. (From L to R): Alisha, Angus, Tom, Chris Matheson (MP) James and Hema Chandrasheker (Autism Together – Step into Work+ Placement Officer).
Yvonne Smith, Autism in Practice Facilitator, reports on a recent visit by Chester City MP, Chris Matheson.
During early August 2016, Chris Matheson, MP Chester City, visited Autism Together’s Integrated Life and Social Skills programme for Chester and Cheshire West.
By Yvonne Smith, Autism in Practice Facilitator.
“Myself, Hema Chandrashekhar (SIW) and Neil Macleod (Speech and Language Therapist) are piloting a yearlong programm for young people on the autism spectrum aged 16-25 to enable them to develop new skills.
The aim of the course is to increase: independence, personal safety, self-coping strategies, confidence and self-esteem
The range of topics include:
- Transition into adult life and what this means for the individual
- Feelings and emotions
- Anger and frustrations – their own and those of others
- Language and conversation, the importance of listening, creating clarity and gaining an understanding of others
- Body language and facial expressions
- Attitude towards autism
- Stigma, bullying and abuse
- Personal identity, sexuality and sexual relationships
- Staying safe – including stranger awareness and on-line safety
- and more if time allows!
We currently have 12 young people attending the course and all involved are getting a lot out of the sessions.
Chris Matheson MP, is a supporter of autism and aims to focus on individuals and families, with members, who are on the autism spectrum an he was hugely encouraging about the programme and it’s aims.”
