The National Autistic Society (NAS) Cymru works throughout Wales for people affected by autism.

Tŷ Ddraig is our purpose-built centre for young adults with autism, which provides a specialist day service for Cardiff social services and Local Health Board.

Most young people at our centre have experienced difficulties in accessing mainstream services and educational settings. We thoroughly assess their communication, behavioural and practical skills, and their sensory needs, and teach them practical skills for everyday life. We also help young people to access other services, such as vocational training centres and local colleges.

At Tŷ Ddraig, we put young people with autism first – we help them develop their skills and abilities, and we encourage independence.

We are very satisfied with the service - we think this organisation is the best ever. It is a great help and excellent work is being done with our son.
Parent

Leisure and learning activities

We offer a range of leisure, educational and vocational activities, which may be based in our centre or in the community. We deliver our programmes in structured environments ideal for young adults with autism. Each person can choose specific sessions or attend on specific days.

Everyone who uses our day services uses the NAS SPELL framework and TEACCH. These approaches provide essential structure and a means of clear communication designed to support people with autism.

The activities we offer

At Tŷ Ddraig autism centre:

  • practical skills for everyday life
  • vocational and educational support in partnership with local colleges
  • IT skills
  • social skills, including group working, speech and language therapy and occuptional therapy
  • creative therapies including music, dance and creative arts.


In the community:

  • college placements
  • work experience
  • shopping and eating out
  • hiking, gym
  • tennis
  • cycling
  • swimming.


We also support people to do other activities that they are interested in. 

Person-centred approach

We work closely with each person to help them create their own support plan and put it into practice, giving them every opportunity to develop and thrive. Communication can be difficult for people with autism, so we use a variety of communication methods, including spoken language, sign language and visual strategies.

This helps us to communicate clearly with each person and ensures we hear and understand their views. We also make sure that we involve family, carers and friends in the planning process.

Our team

Our staff have a range of specialist knowledge that enables them to offer each person with autism the right support and help them to fulfil their needs and wishes. Our staff receive autism-specific training, which they build upon throughout their career.