‘We’re going to Disneyland.’ It’s a sentence many people dream of hearing. For Jenna and Nathan, two adults supported by the North East Autism Society’s residential services in Sunderland, it was a moment they had been building towards for years. 

After a prolonged period out of education, a personalised plan from Thornbeck College staff has helped Lewis thrive.

In Neurodiversity Celebration Week, Peter Barron talks to a young North East woman about her life with Tourette syndrome.

Charlie Atchinson, a 13-year-old autistic musician from Hartlepool, is using his voice to champion acceptance for himself, and for others. His latest single, ’Being Me’, explores identity, self-expression, and the importance of being accepted for who you truly are.

For 15 years Andrew Marshall spent his days working long unsociable hours as a bingo caller, with little to no time to spend with family and friends. But in 2023 he decided to make a change by becoming a Teaching Assistant (TA) at Kiora Hall in Stockton-on-Tees, and he hasn’t looked back since. 

Keiran, a 20-year-old from Newton Aycliffe, is one of several learners from Thornbeck College who have been developing key employability skills at New Warlands Farm in preparation for adulthood. 

Helen and Dorian Latham share how NEAS staff supported their son Frank during his transition into adult care, and how the Society’s children’s services set Frank up to thrive.

24-year-old Joseph Davison is thriving in his new job after a successful work trial in a state-of-the-art factory.

Josh thrives on autism charity’s employability scheme.

A jobseeker who relied on music to help him through his mental health struggles has launched his own radio show on a well-known community station.

A Northumberland man says he has found his purpose again by volunteering for a charity after eight years out of work.