So Somerset

Everyday activities such as catching a bus or going to work can be a very uncomfortable experience for people with Autism or Asperger's Syndrome (AS).

A special day care centre in Weston-super-Mare aims to make these things a little bit easier by teaching individuals the skills needed to be able to cope in difficult situations.

The Lynx Centre also provides vocational training for people who have high functioning autism which means they are capable of being employed however lack the social skills to be able to do so.

The centre is funded by the National Autistic Society (NAS) and has recently commenced a partnership with Weston College funded by the Learning Skills Council.

A total of 28 people aged between 19 and 56 attend the centre however it is open to people aged up to 65.

Attendees learn vocational skills as well as traditional crafts such as marquetry and pyrography. These goods are then sold to raise money for the centre.  

Fellow attendee, 28-year-old Eva Glen, also enjoyed the creative element. Eva attends the centre once a week and funds her place herself.

The centre has an internet room which is used to help develop communication skills and to support their vocational training through the development of practical skills including CV writing. 

Lynx Centre manager, Catriona Daynes, said the internet cafe provided users with the opportunity to gain confidence in engaging with the outside world. It also helped to increase their social interaction with others. 

"All activity is dependent on the needs and interests of the individual. It’s about finding a friendly environment to suit their needs," said Catriona.

The aim of the centre, which opened in January, was also to help prepare attendees for employment.

People with autism or AS often find work extremely difficult due to the problems they face communicating with others.

Matthew is currently unemployed however he has had an administrative job in the past and in 2004, he worked at Cadbury's garden centre.

He said he would like a job but not a full-time one and a job which is "chatty and friendly would not be very good" as he has problems communicating with a large group of people. He said he will get one when he gets around to it- he's too busy having fun learning new skills at the centre.

When an individual is ready for a job, they often fall at the first hurdle, said Diane Rawlings, area manager for NAS Somerset. 

"Often they are unable to sell themselves in an interview which is a shame because they can be a great work force as they're precise and focused. They need understanding employers," she said.

"They also need a familiar routine. Many are desperate to go to work however social and communication skills often hold them back."

A lot of people with autism or AS experience fear and anxiety so the centre teaches them strategies to learn how to cope in situations when things go wrong, for example, if a bus does not turn up on time.

Catriona said it was a bit like teaching them an emergency flow chart. 

Click here to find out more about the Lynx Centre:

For more information about the services available to people affected by Autism or AS in Somerset, click on the NAS website: