Your Stories

Molly's Story

Melissa Richardson, a parent at Portfield School talks about her daughter Molly’s progress in the ten years since she’s been a pupil and how their family’s lives have changed for the better.

Jon's Story

Drop-in group member Jon Leavitt, 49, who has been attending the Yeovil group since it launched in April 2011, shares his experience of how the group has given him a new lease of life.

The Heelan Family's Story

Mother of three boys, Annie Heelan is as proud as any mother could be of her children, not least because they have overcome so much to live the happy, fruitful lives they enjoy as a family today. In her own words, Annie explains the difference The Wessex Autistic Society has made to her family.

Michael's Story

Half a century ago, when Michael was four years old, he was one of the first British children to be recognised as autistic. Michael has been living at our residential home, Barnes Lane, for more than 20 years. Here is his poignant and remarkable story.

Sam & Michael's Story

Parent Sam Parsons shares her family's experience of what it's like living with Pathological Demand Avoidance syndrome. PDA is increasingly recognised as part of the autism spectrum and affects boys and girls equally.  People with PDA can appear to be far more socially able than others on the autistic spectrum but find it very difficult to cope with everyday demands. This results in their need to exert a high degree of control over their environment and the people in it. The difficulty in coping with demands and their need for control causes a high level of anxiety, and can lead to significant difficulties throughout their lives.