One young person, Otto, has achieved some major milestones in the Piper Arts Centre recently. 

Thanks to the time and patience of staff members in both the Arts Centre and Otto's home at Prior's Court, Otto has been regularly attending drama sessions and the sensory circuits taking place in the dance studio. Otto can struggle with crossing thresholds, particularly into unfamiliar or dark surroundings, but thanks to the specially designed doorways of the Arts Centre, he is able to overcome this barrier.

His attendance is still somewhat dependent on who he is working with, with staff he is more confident with having more success in encouraging him to engage with the sessions.  However, even with staff he works less with, he will sit in the doorway and observe the sessions, which is a major improvement from standing outside refusing to enter the building Otto's anxieties with crossing thresholds has proved to be a barrier to his learning in the past, so for him to now be able to attend both drama and the sensory circuits is a huge milestone for him! 

Why the Piper Arts Centre was built

The Piper Arts Centre was built to offer autistic young people with complex needs a creative, inclusive space to express themselves through music, dance, and drama. It supports communication, wellbeing, and confidence through the power of the arts.

The Piper Arts Centre was only made possible thanks to the generosity of our donors, whose incredible support has helped bring creativity and opportunity to life for the young people at Prior’s Court.

Find out more about Piper Arts Centre