Kat Rudge, Aspire Youth Development Worker, talks to Sam about his experience in Aspire Plus, for 17 – 19-year-olds who have autism.

Sam:

“I first attended Aspire about two years ago. It was recommended by my father, a former transitions worker at Romsey Mill, who still attends a circuits group based at the centre each week.

Initially, I was opposed to it. At that time, I was averse to attending an autistic group, not wanting to go to somewhere specifically because of my disorder.  

I also feared that it might be a support group with discussions and therapy, which although beneficial, are sometimes difficult.

However, Aspire is better than expected. There is virtually no mention of autism: members play with each other and talk.

I have taught and learned games; I have played Coup, Carcassonne, Blokus, Cartographers, Go fish, Rummy, Chess, Mariokart and others.

Although the group is not clinical, its advantages are significant and tangible.

Aspire benefits our social health, which is exactly the issue many autistic people face. Moreover, it is simply enjoyable.

I have befriended several other members.

A leader introduced me to another attendee called Harry about a year ago; since then, he has become one of my best friends and we have been to each other’s houses nearly a dozen times, gone to the cinema, given each other birthday presents and been to my family’s holiday house.

Last year, members organised a trip to the Box Room board games café in Cambridge, which Harry and I attended; we later arranged a meeting at my house and invited the others.

Therefore, I have become relatively good friends with them as well.

Overall, Aspire has been very good. I would recommend this group to everyone eligible to join. The leaders are kind and encouraging, and take an interest in the members and their accomplishments.” 

Sam’s time with Aspire has ended, since he has turned 19 years old. 

Reflecting on Sam’s time with Aspire, Kat said:  

“We will really miss Sam! It's been really lovely to see him grow in confidence and make friends. An indication in the growth in confidence he now has is that he has since embarked on a six-week experience at Camp America."

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You can donate to Romsey Mill's Aspire Appeal 2026 via our appeal Just Giving page.