Improving support for people with autism in Wrexham

What is the project?

This project by Potens aims to help staff at a residential home in Wrexham to better support people with autism. 

It focuses on working towards the National Autistic Society's Autism Specialist Award, with the aim of embedding high-quality, person-centred practice. 

The award provides a recognised framework for improving quality-of-life outcomes through meaningful participation and understanding. 

A key focus is making sure that the voices of the people who access support are heard.  

Why is the work being carried out?

The work is being carried out to improve the quality, consistency and impact of the support provided to autistic individuals, making sure practice aligns with nationally recognised standards of excellence.  

When Potens first took over the home, they wanted to address the number of incidents that appeared to be driven by frustration, feeling that residents weren't communicating in the ways they preferred. 

Potens felt that there needed to be improvements to the ways residents' sensory needs were met and their access to the community, so these also became a focus. 

The aim of the project is to improve communication and outcomes, reduce anxiety and the number of incidents, and to develop new skills and new ways of working. 

When and where is the work taking place?

This project is being carried out at a Potens-owned residential home in Wrexham. 

It's due to be completed in February 2027.  

At the end of the project, an external panel will determine whether the award will be granted, following a series of assessments and engagement with families, staff and the people they support.

Who's involved?

Potens have funded the project and worked with speech and language therapy and positive behaviour support colleagues to deliver it. 

They also received support from Social Care Wales's innovation coaching service. Through workshops, the coaching service helped the team to think differently about how to come up with ideas for improvement. 

What have they learned from the work?

The team say that the main benefit so far has been improved communication between staff and the people who access support. 

A quality action group made up of four support workers and a team leader has been created to lead on various aspects of the work, while morning briefings, practice and coaching are used to communicate any changes to the wider team. 

They've worked with speech and language therapy colleagues to introduce new visuals, communication books and iPads, which help give structure to residents’ routines and help them to make decisions about their own activities, such as what to eat. 

The measures mean residents are more able to express how they’re feeling and have led to fewer incidents, less anxiety and a better quality of life. 

One resident recently went on their first holiday in over 10 years, and another started their first ever volunteer job.