Aspire Programme

This programme works with young people diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome and similar high-functioning autistic spectrum conditions, who are in mainstream education.

"It’s brilliant!
It’s the only place my Asperger's and OCD don’t affect me."

The programme is run in partnership with Umbrella Autism, the Cambridge charity which supports families affected by autistic spectrum conditions.

We run two weekly clubs which create a social space for club members to interact on a level with which they are comfortable. We aim to have one to one support in the clubs from committed volunteers.

Young people come to relax and be themselves, and to do things that they enjoy. There is no pressure to socialise, but members often find they enjoy sharing their activities with others who may have similar difficulties and interests.

"Autistic people just understand each other," said one member.

We have a range of activities available including sports, computers, crafts, lego and many more, as guided by the interests of the young people themselves.

Here are some comments from young people and their parents:

"He has been depressed recently following all the difficulties at school and it was lovely to see him smiling and animated."

"It’s the best place to go if you have Asperger’s!"

"I just wouldn’t have believed how 1½ hours could make such a difference to a child’s behaviour. He lives for his group time each week. He knows he has to behave and the routine and structure help him do this. Because he is gaining confidence in his ability to handle various social situations and different environments he is not getting so stressed and his behaviour outside of club time and school has improved."

"It's a place you can relax."

"He is rebuilding his trust in having adults work 1:1 with him, is having swimming and riding lessons and has asked for tennis coaching and to learn an instrument! And this is from a boy who for so long has shown no pleasure or interest in anything outside the home. The positive experience at A-Team has certainly been a turning point for him."

The clubs are: