At Prior’s Court, we’re passionate about creating life-enriching opportunities that support autistic young people with complex needs to thrive - and recently, one of our young people, Ethan, had a truly unforgettable experience.

Ethan, who has a deep love of music, was supported to attend an Olly Murs concert at the O2 Arena - one of the biggest live music venues in the UK. For Ethan, music is not just a hobby, but a meaningful way to connect with the world around him and a driver for him. 

Preparing for success

Ethan's team in Summerhill House worked closely with him in the weeks leading up to the event using tools such as social stories and a countdown calendar. These helped Ethan to understand what to expect on the day, reducing anxieties..

A huge achievement

Ethan coped incredibly well on the day. The bustling atmosphere, the noise, the lights -these could easily have been overwhelming. But with the right support in place, Ethan was able not only to attend a meal beforehand and the gig but to enjoy them fully - complete with an event programme too. Watching him dance, smile, and engage with something he loves was a powerful reminder of what’s possible with meaningful, individualised support. And to top it all of, Ethan was attending with his family too which made the experience all the more special.

Reflecting on the night, Hannah, a member of the Summerhill House team who accompanied Ethan, said:

I think it’s a really good example of how much young people can achieve and do when we find events and activities that are personalised and meaningful to them.

Looking ahead

One of Ethan’s biggest musical heroes is Ed Sheeran - and with the success of now two Olly Murs gigs, there’s real excitement about what could be next. Seeing Ed Sheeran live would be another incredible moment for Ethan after seeing a tribute act last year.

Creating opportunities that matter

This isn’t just a story about a trip to a concert. It’s a story about inclusion, about recognising the interests and strengths of each young person, and about celebrating every achievement - big or small.

Read more young people's achievements