Scheme for young adults with autism expands in Dorset

The Futures programme helps learners gain confidence to travel independently

A programme for young adults with autism and learning disabilities is expanding amid growing demand.

Autism Unlimited in Christchurch, Dorset, launched its Futures programme in 2021 for just four young people.

The scheme, to help people gain confidence and improve life skills, now has 28 learners aged between 18 and 25.

It has been described as "life-changing" for both the young people and their families and the programme is now being rolled out across the county.

Service manager Tilly Larment said: "It's real hands-on, practical learning for the real world.

"We individualise their timetables to give them bespoke learning so when they leave here they are prepared for adulthood."

Tilly Larment said learners were given bespoke timetables

One of the learners, Dan, who joined the scheme two years ago, said: "I couldn't travel on my own before but I can now get buses and trains - I can even drive independently now.

"I have a lot less anxiety meeting new people and I've improved my social skills. I can make and attend appointments by myself."

Dan's father, John, said his son coped quite well at school and gained good results in his GCSEs but the less-structured nature of sixth-form college left him unable to cope.

He said: "He became more anxious. In the end, they insisted him being taken off their books."

John said Dan was diagnosed with autism just before he turned 18, which meant he was not transitioned into the adult social care environment.

"This is where the Futures programme really came into its own," he said.

"Everything written in their prospectus was exactly what Dan needed."

Futures consultant Graham Whitehead said: "It's not an exaggeration to say that the programme is life-changing for our learners and their families."

Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2240.