Autism at West Lancashire Community High School focuses on the uniqueness and individualism it brings to our students. We have achieved National Autistic Society accreditation of which we are extremely proud.
This part of the website will endeavour to offer links for parents to seek out advice and support for young people with Autism. We will update the page with links to websites, free documents and suggested reading materials. As a school we do not endorse any particular association but try to signpost you to what information is out there.
Below is a link to the National Autistic Society webpage. Here there are a variety of links full of information, guidance and resources. It is worth a look through. The society also has a national helpline which parents and carers can use to source information and support.
National Autistic Society (NAS)
The helpline number is below
0808 800 4104 (Monday to Thursday 10am-4pm and Friday 9am-3pm)
Travelling abroad can be a challenge and extremely anxious for young people with Autism. It requires a great deal of planning and coordination to help make the whole experience rewarding for the young person with autism and for their family. Manchester Airport have a page on their website focussing on passengers with additional needs. The link is below.
Manchester Airport Information for Travelling.
They have also published a great range of support materials that link to each of the 3 terminals. These are freely available from the link above or you can look at them in the document links below.
Manchester Airport Support Materials
Finding things to do that you know are going to be accessible can be a hard process. Motability have published a guide to accessible activities across the country. The link below takes you to the webpage.
The booklet they have published covers the whole country and has in-depth information about accessibility information.
Below are links to some agencies and providers who have opportunities for young people with autism to access their services. The geographical locations include Preston, Chorley and South Ribble, Wigan and West Lancashire.
Energi Parks Accessible Opportunities Website Link
Sessions are only open to people with autism and their families. The sessions have reduced volume for music, limited numbers of people, free entry for carers and complimentary juice after the session. If you wish to avoid queues you will need to complete the online waiver form. The sessions take place on Tuesdays between 5.00pm and 6.00pm term time only. The cost is £8.95 per person and one parent carer goes free.
Sessions available that are friendly for young people with autism. The session environment is similar to the above. These sessions are on offer fortnighly on Thursdays 6.00pm to 7.00pm. Please arrive at 5.45pm to check in.
Exclusive session for people with autism, their parents, carers and siblings. No music, lighting kept to a minimum and a limited number of climbers. Instructors supervise the climbers; sessions are suitable for all ages. Sessions take place on Wednesdays, 5.00pm to 6.30pm, £10.00 per climber.
Support and advice for parents with children and young people with autism or with sensory processing conditions. Sessions take place on Fridays both during term time and school holidays. The sessions are 9.45am to 12.00pm and the cost is £4.00 per family plus 50p for each school age child.
Support group for young people age 18+ with Aspergers or high functioning autism. We play board games, hold quizzes, group discussions and much more. Parents also welcome to attend. Sessions take place fortnightly on a Tuesday 7pm-9pm The cost is £1 per session
Divine Days Community Arts Facebook Link
Divine Days Community Art Website Link
Various creative workshops including Music, Dance, Creative Art and Relaxation for adults 18+. The dance sessions take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10.30am to 12.00pm. Thursday Club sessions take place at 1.30pm - 3.30pm. The cost of the session £2.
Multi sensory rooms for individual or group hire. Family sessions on Saturdays and Sundays. You will need to contact the centre to book your sessions. Sessions are available on Monday's to Sunday's between 9.30am to 8.00pm.
A free personalised support service for young people aged 0-19 years with disabilities and additional needs living in West Lancashire and neighbouring areas. There are also opportunities for Family Time sessions available in the sensory rooms, dance studio and hydrotherapy pool. Family Time sessions run from Monday to Friday between 4.00pm and 5.00pm and on Saturday between 10.00am to 1.00pm. The cost of the session is between £2 to £3 per person, depending on the activity.
Sandcastle Waterpark Facebook Link
Accessible evenings for disabled young people and their families. A quiet night with limited numbers, no announcements or music, extra lifeguards in the water, extra flotation rings, life jackets and much more. These sessions are very popular so you are advised to book early. There are 2 hour sessions with discounted admission; £3.50 for disabled young person and their carers, £4.50 for siblings and other family members.
Swimming, trampolining, indoor rock climbing and more for ages 8 - 18. Parent support group meets while the young people take part in activities. Contact for information on activities.