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Midshires House a Grade II Listed building has recently undergone a major, though sympathetic refurbishment programme and will open in August 2006 after undergoing a major refurbishment programme. The service is owned by Midshires Healthcare Limited, and operated by Autism First.

The Midshires House - Midshires Apartments autism service is now set out to provide the following:

Internal building layout with design and environmental features specific to the needs of people with an autism spectrum disorder (asd) which includes: The service provided to individuals at Midshires Apartments, has embraced the four Key Principles of Rights, Independence, Choice and Inclusion as defined in the Valuing People Strategy for People with a Learning Disability (2001).

The service will offer residency within autism friendly homely environments, where each individual can be supported and encouraged to realise their dreams, ambitions and to maximise their potential.

It is the aim of Midshires Apartments to provide specialist support and services of the highest quality for people having an asd and complex learning and development needs.

This aim will be achieved in the main by acknowledgement and promotion of good practice within the following areas:

1. Providing a safe environment for individuals with a diagnosis of asd who require support and opportunities to achieve a life-style that actively promotes dignity and reflects the concepts of ‘ordinary life’ principles. Adoption of such principles will ensure that each member of the service user group can be valued as an individual in their own right.

2. Undertaking a process of detailed assessment for each service user, which will support and inform the development of truly person centred approaches towards individualised care / support within a detailed and comprehensive framework. These will be subject to regular review and evaluation.

3. Provision of therapeutic and supportive environments that will support each service user to achieve their full potential in daily living skills and educational / developmental achievement thereby maximising their opportunity for independence and potential access of appropriate work placements.

4. Provision of opportunities for service users to make and maintain relationships with both friends and families whilst at the same time affording them the privacy and dignity which is theirs by right. At times, it is appreciated and understood that people with an asd may have a desire to isolate themselves socially. While accepting rights in this respect, the service also understand their responsibility in ensuring that such time should be meaningful, constructive and stimulating.

5. Encouragement of service users to access independent advocacy services, that will support them in the expression of their needs and desires.


Our General Operating Principles:

The service will offer a therapeutic and positive atmosphere to adults with an asd between the ages of 18 and 65 years. While it is anticipated that the service user group will be of mixed sex, the service is aware of statistical evidence relating to the male / female ratio of people diagnosed with the condition.

It is inevitable that some individuals admitted to the service will display a degree of autism related behaviour – it is likely that by the majority, such behaviour will be regarded as ‘challenging behaviour’.

The term ‘challenging behaviour’ within this document refers to behaviours presented by each individual that may pose a ‘challenge’ to the service. The ‘challenge’ for the service will be:

1. To determine why such behaviour may be occurring

2. To attempt to prevent such behaviour from occurring, based upon knowledge and understanding of asd and its impact upon each individual and a hypothesis of what the behaviour actually means / represents.

3. Develop appropriate approaches / responses / strategies for dealing with / shaping such behaviour when it may occur.

4. Approaches / responses / strategies for support and management of ‘challenging behaviour’ may on some occasions require the need for physical intervention. The approach employed by Autism First in which all staff receive training is accredited by the British Institute for Learning Disabilities and emphasises pro-active behaviour support strategies.

5. Each person will have a detailed and comprehensive behaviour support / monitoring plan which will be based on assessed needs and subject to regular review and evaluation.


Midshires Apartments will offer a highly structured daily routine which is essential for people with an asd. This will provide reassurance, predictability and a sequenced order of events for each individual, removing many of the anxieties that individuals can often experience.

It is recognised that it is essential to offer individuals with an asd a framework of varied and individual experiences and opportunities. Programmes of care, support and activities will include specific aims and objectives and be implemented accurately and consistently in order to maintain and develop the potential of each individual.
These programmes will reinforce and recognise individuals talents and strengths rather than their so called weakness areas. Resources required for such activities / programmes will be identified at point of admission to the service and be subject to frequent monitor and review in the best interests of the individual concerned.

Admissions to Midshires Apartments will be strictly on an assessed needs led basis. Risk assessment, planning, management and taking are considered as an integral part of service delivery. Therefore all individuals will be able to enjoy a level of freedom without compromise to their safety and well-being.

Detailed assessment and risk analysis will take place for all service users prior to admission to the service.

Autism First has developed its own policy relating to ‘admissions’ which will be made available upon request.

Inclusion is a major factor which is emphasised in our service delivery programmes, this is incorporated within a person centred planning process developed and adopted within the organisation and service.

It is acknowledged within the service that choice is a complex aspect for people with an asd to exercise. We will provide a highly structured key-worker system to support individuals in expression of their wishes and preferences.

The service adopts the principle of valuing parents / family members as ‘Equal Partners’ in the care / support of their son / daughter / brother / sister.

Increasing competence and independent life skills of those residing within our service is one of our primary objectives. This will be reflected in encouraging Social Interaction, Communication and use of Imaginative ability, whilst recognising personal, individual likes and dislikes which will be incorporated into all programmes of care / activity.

Midshires Apartments are registered with Autism Accreditation - a service which the company voluntarily purchases from the National Autistic Society, thus adding value to its quality emphasis and autism specificity.