Stanley's Story

Every service user’s journey with the Wessex Autistic Society is unique and for fifteen year old Stanley Holes, who is severely autistic, the journey started with respite care at Wessex Lodge, the charity’s over-night short break service, which aims to improve the quality of life for families of children with autism.

Stanley’s Mum, Sandy comments, “Stanley has enjoyed play days and respite care from Wessex Lodge throughout his life and will now start at Portfield School in January 2012. Stanley is right at the severe end of the autistic spectrum. He’s got no speech and needs a lot of support. Although he’s absolutely gorgeous and loveable, he can be quite challenging and needs a lot of support.”

Sandy continues; “The Wessex Autistic Society has always been absolutely brilliant for us. He has been for respite care at Wessex Lodge and loves it. They have got a swimming pool, which he absolutely loves, and they are very experienced with children with autism. We can feel confident that he is happy there and he is with staff that understand his behaviour. The problem is that because he is older and his behaviour can be challenging its only myself or my husband or professionals that can look after him. It wouldn’t be safe to leave him with an inexperienced person, not even to go down to the shops.

We’ve got there other children and it’s so helpful to be able to give Stanley a break and spend quality time with them.

“And he’s really looking forward to starting school there. It will be great to have him nearer home and the school is just perfect for him. The whole layout is great. It’s modern and spacious and feels like it was designed with him in mind.”

As a purpose built school, Portfield is unique in providing facilities that exactly meet the needs of Stanley and other students with similar requirements. Having just celebrated its 40^th year, Portfield School promises to go from strength to strength carrying forward its vision of inclusive, tailored and specialist education for all.

If you would like more information, please contact the school on 01202 573808.