Performing arts centre for autistic students opens

A residential school for young people with autism has opened what it believes to be the UK's first performing arts centre designed to meet the needs of autistic people.

Prior's Court, near Thatcham in Berkshire, said the new facility would support more autistic people to access the arts - with many finding traditional venues overwhelming.

The school, which provides year-round residential care and education for children with complex needs, fundraised £1.1m to build the new centre.

Elise Robinson, who is a performing arts teacher at the school, said her students were "the most creative people I have ever worked with".

Speaking following the new centre's first performances, Ms Robinson explained that there were "a lot of overwhelming sensory experiences" at traditional arts venues.

She said the venues required those with autism to "supress the need to express themselves", which they "need to do that in order to emotionally regulate".

"It's a whole set of these social rules that need to be adjusted for our young people," she added.

The school said the new centre would provide a space for students to "express themselves creatively in a dedicated, bespoke space".

It added that the space would also be used to research how to provide greater access to the arts, as well as to prepare students to visit more traditional venues.

The new space officially opened on Thursday, with special performances from students.

Ms Robinson told the BBC: "This is a building where we want them to walk in and to be respected as artists, because their difference is what every artist strives to be.

"They are original, they are unique, they don't think outside the box - they completely reshape the box entirely."

Alan Lawrence, whose son Jamie attends the school, said he was "very proud" seeing him perform.

"Prior's Court has been our saviour," he said.

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