Mission, vision and values
Our mission
To transform lives by providing support, information and practical advice for more than 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK, as well as their three million family members and carers.
To change attitudes by improving public understanding of autism and helping businesses, local authorities and government to provide more autism-friendly spaces, deliver better services and improve laws.
Our vision
A society that works for autistic people.
Our values
We learn from real experience. We’ve spent over 50 years working together with people on the autism spectrum. No one has more practical knowledge of autism. But we move with the times and we understand that there’s always more to learn.
We tell it like it is. We share what we have learned about autism, so that more people can make informed decisions and lead the best lives possible.
We inspire. We celebrate progress, open up new possibilities, spur people into action and motivate change.
We are courageous. We won’t accept ignorance or inequality, and we’ll never stop pushing for more understanding, greater support and a better world for people on the autism spectrum.
Our students
- Access a curriculum specifically tailored to meet individual needs.
- Are taught using a range of strategies to meet individual learning styles.
- Develop skills for life including promotion of safety, well-being and independence beyond school.
- Develop a belief in the importance of what they can achieve, not what they cannot achieve.
- Recognise and develop personal strengths, interests and skills.
- Become empowered to make informed life choices through a structured approach to Person Centred Planning.
- Become self-aware and be able to self-regulate personal barriers to learning.
- Develop and maintain positive relationships.
Our parents
- Feel involved, informed and supported in relation to their child’s progress and development.
- Regard the school as a source of expertise and support.
- Highly rate the school in satisfaction surveys.
- Support the work of the school and participate in school community activities.
- Take opportunities to develop partnerships with other parents and families.
- Use the school as a community resource.
Our local schools and community
- Regard us as specialists in the field of autism to develop their autism knowledge and practice.
- Understand our students and work with us to extend their opportunities, including work experience.
- Seek our advice and contributions on matters relating to autism, for individual students, whole school development and/or community projects.
- Use our facilities and resources, including the sport hall.
- Welcome us in accessing some of their specialist facilities.
Our special areas of expertise
We are unique
At Helen Allison we specialise in autism. We stand out because every person who cares for and educates your child in our school is fully trained in autism.
We understand how autism affects your child, and we have over 50 years’ experience and knowledge to draw on to help them to learn, thrive and take their full place in the world as adults.
Whatever the learning capabilities of your child are, we will help them make progress and achieve qualifications, from entry level literacy and numeracy to A levels and other Level 3 qualifications.
Sensory intervention
In order to help a student with sensory processing, it is important to make sure that they have the right ‘sensory diet’. A sensory diet is a ‘diet’ of activities and sensory input for the body and neurological system. Just as the body needs food evenly spaced out across the day, so the body need activities to keep its arousal at the best possible level.
A sensory diet helps your child’s nervous system to feel better organised and therefore helps them to pay attention and perform. This is vital if your child is to be a successful learner.
We’ve put in place some exciting collaborative therapies at Helen Allison. Our speech and language and occupational therapists have identified children’s sensory needs and prescribed a sensory diet where appropriate. We have used this alongside an innovative programme of Therapeutic Listening®. Many students also benefit from daily sensory circuits to alert, organise and focus them for the day ahead.
Independent students
Our older students learn in a separate Hub, preparing for adult life among students of their own age. Once they attend the Hub, students gain valuable experience of life outside school, as well as following their interests and skills through college courses and work placements.
Truly individual
Every student at Helen Allison has a truly personalised curriculum and timetable. Your child learns at their own pace and according to their own needs and interests. We always find a way to deliver the learning your child needs.
Healthy eating
If your child struggles with food, we can help. Our therapists work with our head cook to create diets, and work with your child towards conquering any eating problems.
Multi-disciplinary team
Our teaching staff, support and care staff and therapists work together every day. We are a team. Your child knows every one of us well, and we all know your child well too. It’s one of the reasons we’re able to make such a big difference in your child’s life.