Prior's Court strives to teach the young autistic people it supports the skills they need to be more independent and to have the opportunity to access the world of work. These may be skills used on a daily basis such as tying shoelaces or doing their own laundry, or more specialised skills such as gardening and baking. The aim is for our young people to gain independence so when they leave Prior's Court they have the skills they need to live happy, independent lives. 

Recently, a huge milestone has been hit by one of the young people we support in his independence skills. James, who is currently 13 years old, has been taught to ride a bike without stabilisers for the first time thanks to the belief and support of his staff members. 

James has been riding a bike with stabilisers for a number of years. Although he is confident on the bike, it was felt that he needed a few more months of practice before riding unaided. Until Chris, our Healthiness Instructor, stepped in and decided to take the plunge and teach James how to ride his bike without stabilisers. 

After a few very wobbly attempts, and much encouragement from those around him, James achieved this incredible feat, in under 20 minutes no less! All staff have, at some point, been guilty of underestimating the young people they support, but in many cases, as in this one, all it takes is the belief of one staff member to allow these young people to achieve amazing things. 

Often, it takes the young people we support longer to learn physical tasks such as this due to associations between autism and poor proprioception (being aware of one's body position in the space around you), so James's incredible achievement came at the amazement of his supporting staff members. 

Everyone is incredibly proud of him and this is the first step in a more independent future for James when he leaves Prior's Court. Well done James. 

See other examples of young people achievements