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College's autism unit hailed a success
AN autism unit is reaping the successes of its first year with thriving students.
Interface, based at South Tyneside College, was set up last summer to help students with autism improve their communication, problem solving and social skills.
Five full-time students enrolled on the course, with several others accessing its facilities, and now the unit has proven to be a success through the development of these youngsters.
The youngest student is 17-year-old Michael Whittaker, who lives with his grandmother in North Shields.
Michael was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome (AS) when he was 10, but attended a special unit within mainstream education until last year.
Although bright, Michael had difficulty meeting new people as he was unable to travel alone.
Michael enrolled on the Interface course, as well as signing up to study maths A-level.
Nicola Beldham, who heads up the Interface unit at the college, said: "When Michael came to us, he was very low in confidence.
"He wouldn't speak to people very much and had to be accompanied everywhere.
"At Interface, we help students build confidence by teaching them the social skills that others would learn instinctively.
"For example, we look at how close you should stand next to someone when talking to them or provide advice on which topics are suitable to start conversations with.
"Gradually, using these techniques, we have managed to build up Michael's confidence so now he can walk around college on his own and finds it much easier to speak to people.
"He has even set up a study group for his A-level maths course to help with revision."
Michael himself acknowledges his progress. He said: "I'm so much happier now that I've learned these independence skills at college.
"Interface has helped me to tackle many of my communication problems and has given me new strategies to cope.
"AS can often make me feel stressed or angry – when this happens, I go to the chill out room at college, where it's peaceful and I'm able to relax.
"I've also made a poster that I call my achievements board, showing all the things I've accomplished since coming here, such as learning to be more independent and finding it easier to talk to people.
"This helps me to understand how far I've come and makes me feel more positive about the future."
Ms Beldham added: "At Interface we aim to help autistic young people achieve their full potential and it's clear last year's intake has come on in leaps and bounds since joining us.
"Although it's only our first year in operation, I'm delighted with the start we've made and confident that we will continue to make a big difference to the lives of those who study with us in the future."
For more details on Interface, contact the information centre on 427 3900 or visit www.stc.ac.uk.
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Tuesday 07 February 2012
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