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Autism Initiatives - Isle of Man

Services on the Isle of Man were developed in 2000 in partnership with the Social Service Department of the Isle of Man government.

Recognising a need for an autism specific provider on the Island, Autism Initiatives UK was approached to provide domiciliary support to a number of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

We deliver much needed natural breaks to families and support the building of social networks for individuals who are typically isolated.

The Team is based at The Oaks in Ramsey, and provide a community based outreach service for up to 30 people with ASD. The service provides support on an individual basis, group activities and a lively social group available for people to access.

As well as providing an office base for the support team The Oaks is a resource centre for parents and professionals, with meeting and training rooms and information resources.

The Oaks also offers activities and workshops to individuals with ASD, which include, developing independent living skills, craft and weaving, computer resources, and a walking and conservation group.

In 2004, Autism Initiatives UK-Isle of Man, working with the Children’s Team of the Social Service Division of the Isle of Man government, developed a support group for young people with Asperger Syndrome.

The young person’s project was innovative as it recognised the need for consistent planning and support to a vulnerable section of the community crossing over traditional social services structures, as well as identifying a need for the involvement of education services.

This approach allowed to gain a full picture of the young person with Asperger Syndrome across environments and enabled us to plan consistent intervention and responses.

The latest exciting project on the Island is the provision of a 24-hour curriculum to a young person with autism. The project is innovative and based on the principles that every child is entitled to develop in an environment, which is conducive to learning. Because of the sensory and communication issues inherent within autism, we recognise that this will not always be within a formal class setting.

If you would like to make a donation towards the services we provide in the Isle of Man please
click here.

For further information on the Isle of Man services, please contact:

John Lagardere - Service Manager

The Oaks
Mayhill
Ramsey
Isle of Man
IM8 2HG

Tel: 01624 814801
E mail: iom@autisminitiatives.org