Research Programme updates

The Prior's Court Research Programme was set up in 2019 to formalise our research work undertaken with partners on projects.

Our research projects are chosen if they have the potential to inform our practice further and so continue to improve the outcomes for young people at Prior’s Court and, by extension, impact upon best practice in the wider autism sector.

These blogs are updates on all matters relating to the Research Programme.

Prior's Court duo present at Autism Special Interest Group meeting

Prior's Court staff members Pari Jevant and Bridget Tahourdin represented Prior’s Court at the Autism Special Interest Group (SIG) meeting hosted by Fiona Knott, Associate Professor in Clinical Psychology, at the University of Reading. Read more

Question and answer interview with Professor Seb Gaigg

Professor Sebastian Gaigg is the Head of Department, Psychology at City St. Georges, University of London. His research broadly seeks to inform how best to promote the quality of life of autistic children, adolescents and adults. Prof. Gaigg is co-leading the COMRAD HUB - the Complex Needs Research and Development Project, Read more

Research project summary- Relationship Between Directly Observed Sensory Reactivity Differences and Classroom Behaviours of Autistic Children

A summary of a piece of research conducted by Hannah Marcham & Dr Teresa Tavassoli, based at the University of Reading and published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy. This work takes a particular look at sensory reactivity differences for autistic young people with high support needs. Read more

Research project summary - An exploration of the role of senior leaders in parent-school partnerships

A summary of a piece of dissertation study research conducted by Prior's Court staff member Lauren Searle. This work adds unique contributions to the discussion of parent-school partnerships through exploration of them within the specific context of a residential special school. Read more

Prior's Court Research Board overview and priority areas

Hear from the chair of the Prior's Court Research Board about the Board and Programme's purpose, and the programme's agreed research priorities. Read more

Research Board member in focus - Lucinda Marsden

A short profile of Prior's Court Research Board member Lucinda Marsden, a parent of a young person who previously attended Prior's Court. Read about Lucinda's research interests and why she is involved with the Research Board. Read more

Latest

Dexter and Otto's hair cut success

Earlier this month, two young people from Prior's Court achieved something major - they went for hair cuts out in the community. For a lot of autistic young people, haircuts can be an overwhelming experience - this is all the more so with the learning disabilities and other diagnoses of the young people we support.
Tanium enjoy a turf-filled day of volunteering

Five familiar faces (and one new one) returned to Prior’s Court yesterday to take part in a day of volunteering, battling dirt, grass, lost shoes, ants, and changeable weather conditions! Despite all of that though, they maintained their enthusiastic energy and left much grubbier but with a sense of accomplishment.
Prior’s Court Foundation response to the Government’s SEND consultation

As a specialist, not-for-profit organisation supporting autistic young people with what are generally seen as the most complex support needs, our response is grounded in our direct experience of this cohort of young people.
Henry's first holiday with Prior's Court

Henry from Dove Cottage enjoyed his first supported holiday with Prior's Court, joining Imprahim for four nights at Blackwood Forest near Winchester.

Autism Practitioner

We're looking for people with and without experience in care to join our dedicated support teams to help the autistic young people with complex needs we support to thrive.
Team Manager - Care

Are you an inspiring leader passionate about making a difference in the lives of autistic young people with complex needs? We’re looking for Team Managers to guide our dedicated teams of Autism Practitioners and ensure that best practices are followed, leading to the best possible outcomes for those we support.
Our purpose and ambition

Our charity's purpose and ambition to transform the future for autistic young people with complex needs.
Admissions

Find out more about joining Prior's Court School or Young Adult Provision for autistic young people with complex needs, including our admissions policies and process
The Long Road: Zac, Jenny and Peter's stories (2025)

“The Long Road; Stories of love, hope and autistic young people with complex needs” features current Prior’s Court young person Zac, and Prior’s Court ‘alumni’ Peter and Jenny, and their families. The film explores the challenges, perseverance and love that shape the lives of autistic young people with complex needs – and highlights how the right support can create lasting impact well into adulthood.
Autism Practitioner - Nights

Our night teams play a key role in improving the sleep patterns of autsitic young people with complex needs and building their independence and life-skills.
Term dates

Prior's Court School term dates and school times
Autism Practitioner - Weekends

We're looking for people with and without experience in care to join our teams working at the weekends to support autistic young people with complex needs.
Our story

The story of Prior's Court - an autism education charity inspired over 20 years ago by the experience of one parent and one autistic child.
Minibus transport service for staff

We offer our Autism Practitioners minibus transport service to and from our rural site, meaning you do not need to be able to drive to work at Prior's Court.

Why we exist

All young people at Prior's Court are autistic, have severe learning disabilities and complex needs. We strive to help them to be healthy, happy, more independent and have the opportunity to work. We aspire to transform the lives of even more autistic young people with complex needs and continually push forward with improvements and innovations to provide the best possible care. This is why we exist. Read more

General donations

Every donation to Prior's Court, no matter how big or small, will help build a brighter future for autistic children and young people with complex needs. We are incredibly grateful for your support, thank you. For major gifts, please contact us directly. Read more

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