Therapy sessions are being delivered in our residential homes thanks to our team of Therapy Assistants, and the example of Winter House shows how valuable this is.

What is covered in sessions?

Therapy sessions in Winter House follow a clear, predictable structure, which supports engagement and regulation. Sessions are planned by our on-site team of multi-disciplinary therapists - making sure they are tailored to the needs of the young people in the house - and then delivered by our Therapy Assistants. In the case of Winter House, it is Sophie who has been delivering sessions since she took on a Therapy Assistant role in January.

A typical session includes:

• A sensory circuit to support regulation and readiness to engage
• Yoga activities to encourage movement and body awareness
• A sensory story to support attention, communication, and shared experience
• A relaxation activity to help young people transition calmly at the end of the session

This structure provides a familiar rhythm, helping young people understand what to expect while still allowing for individual responses within each activity.

Changes depending on the time of day

With the Extended Day in place, sessions are build around what skills are needed in daily routines, embedding learning into everyday moments.

Morning support focuses on building independence in daily living skills. Young people are supported with breakfast preparation, using visual prompts to guide each step. Personal care, including dressing and teeth brushing, is approached in the same structured and supportive way.

Afternoon support includes:

• Snack time, where communication is encouraged and embedded naturally
• Dressing skills, with a focus on practical tasks such as using zips and buttons
• Sensory regulation activities, offering a range of toys and games to help young people reconnect and regulate after the school day

These sessions are not separate from therapy. They extend it, allowing skills to be practised in meaningful, real-life contexts.

Clear and demonstrable progress

Sophie reports since the start of the year, there has been clear progress in Winter House.

Staff interactions have shifted, with a stronger focus on following the young person’s lead and joining their world through play. This approach requires confidence and a deep understanding of each young person, but it has led to more meaningful engagement.

Young people are now initiating more interactions and play with staff. There is greater consistency in the use of communication systems, supporting clearer expression and shared understanding.

There has also been progress in independence. Where staff previously prepared breakfast for everyone, young people such as Frankie and Louis are now supported to take part in preparing their own breakfast. With the right level of support, they are navigating the kitchen and developing important life skills.

A shared effort

Staff teams in Winter House approach each session with a clear focus on the needs of each autistic young person with complex needs. Activities are carefully structured, but there is also space for flexibility. Staff meet the young people where they are, joining in their interests and building connection through play. This balance helps create an environment where young people feel comfortable to engage and take part in their own way.

A consistent priority throughout is communication. Young people are supported to have their communication systems available at all times, with staff using a total communication approach. Visual prompts are used first, helping to provide clarity and reduce demand, while still encouraging participation and independence.

Read more about our approach to learning