We’re on our way to learning more about autism!

We’re on our way to learning more about autism!

We had a visit from the Autism Reality Experience Bus; an innovative, immersive and hands on training that gives non-autistic people an insight of the sensory processing difficulties faced by people on the autism spectrum. All on a bus! 

Our colleagues, alongside staff from the Weston Park Museum, had the opportunity to step onboard and try the experience. This included environmental changes, tasks and use of all our senses! We’d tell you more, but we don’t want to ruin the experience if you have the chance to visit the bus. 

Learning Disability Lead Nurse, Joanne Bowers said: “We want to do our very best to support children and young people with a learning disability and those who are autistic, so we are always looking for new ways to educate our colleagues and raise awareness. The Autism Reality Experience provides a good insight into some of the sensory challenges that people might face when coming onto our sites. For our colleagues to be able to experience this first-hand, will help further develop their understanding and provide them with information to make those adjustments that our patients might need.” 

Nick Parker our Chief People Officer had the opportunity to experience the bus alongside colleagues, he said: “This experience gave me a small glimpse into some of the challenges people with autism face. I was left feeling overwhelmed as a result of not being able to complete simple tasks because of the environment around me. I hope the experience, alongside other work we’re doing, goes toward us creating environments and care packages that support children, young people and others to feel safe and supported.”  

Thank you to Weston Park Museum for hosting the bus to give our colleagues this opportunity!