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Supported Living & Specialist Care

Autistic adults, supported to live their own way

Support built around how a person actually experiences the world — predictable, low-arousal, and led by them.

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Autism is not something we treat

Autism is a difference in how a person processes the world, not an illness with an endpoint. Our job is not to make someone less autistic. It is to build a life and an environment where being autistic is not exhausting.

That means predictability instead of surprises, clear and literal communication, sensory conditions that suit the individual, and staff who understand that behaviour is communication rather than defiance.

Every person we support has their own support plan built from their own preferences, sensory profile and communication style — not from a template with their name at the top.

Our approach in practice

Predictable routine

Visual timetables, advance notice of change, and consistent staff so the day is knowable.

Sensory environment

Lighting, noise, texture and space adjusted to the person's sensory profile — and reviewed when it stops working.

Communication that fits

Speech, symbols, AAC, written notes, processing time. We adapt to the person, not the other way round.

Meaningful days

College, work, volunteering, hobbies, exercise — a week with purpose in it, chosen by the person.

Managing change well

Transitions planned, rehearsed and supported rather than sprung.

Support with health

Reasonable adjustments for appointments, and advocacy where the health system is not listening.

Photo 23Support worker and tenant looking at a visual timetable together

Working with the professional network

We work alongside community learning disability and autism teams, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, social workers and commissioners. Where a positive behaviour support plan is in place, our staff are trained on that specific plan before they work with the person.

Where someone is transitioning from a hospital setting, children's services or a residential placement, we plan that transition jointly and at their pace, with familiarisation visits before any move.

More about transitions

Our team

The people doing the supporting

The best strategy in the world fails if the person delivering it doesn't understand why. Our support teams receive:

  • INDUCTION LENGTH AND CONTENT
  • OLIVER McGOWAN TRAINING — tier and coverage
  • PBS TRAINING — level and provider
  • Person-specific training before joining an individual's team
  • SUPERVISION FREQUENCY
  • CLINICAL OVERSIGHT ARRANGEMENT

NAMED CLINICAL LEAD, ROLE AND CREDENTIALS

Availability

See which of our services currently have places, and when each was last verified.

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REFERRALS PHONE

Common questions

Do your staff have autism-specific training?
CONFIRM autism training completed by Bellus support staff, including any Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training status
Can someone choose their own staff team?
Yes, and they should. People we support are involved in interviewing and choosing who supports them wherever they want to be. CONFIRM how tenants are involved in recruitment
What kind of housing is available?
Usually a tenancy in a shared house or a self-contained flat, depending on what the person wants and what is available locally. CONFIRM current property types and locations
What if someone does not want to share?
Then sharing is the wrong answer. We would look at single-occupancy or a supported flat rather than trying to make someone fit.
How do you handle distressed behaviour?
With a plan written in advance, focused on prevention and on the person's own early signs — not on reaction. Restrictive practice is a last resort, recorded and reviewed. CONFIRM restrictive practice policy and PBS training
How do referrals work?
A professional or a family member can start the conversation. We assess, we are honest about whether we are the right provider, and we do not accept a placement we cannot staff properly. REFERRALS PHONE

Our other specialisms

Learning DisabilitiesMental HealthPositive Behaviour SupportComplex & Forensic Needs

For families and advocates

Thinking about supported living for someone you love? Start with a conversation — no forms, no commitment.

Talk to Our Team

For professionals

Making a referral or exploring availability? Our referral pathway is published in full.

Make a Referral