FIFTY years on from its inception in a Bournemouth shed, Autism Wessex is rebranding as Autism Unlimited to reflect its continuing growth and vision for the future.

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people perceive the world and interact with others.

Autism Unlimited employs nearly 500 people across the South of England and provides support to autistic people through education, residential and supported independent living.

The charity also owns and operates Portfield School in Parley, near Christchurch, which provides specialist teaching and care for students aged 4 to 19, who hold an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis (ASD).

CEO Siún Cranny said: “Fifty years ago, Autism Wessex was founded by some very dedicated parents in a garden shed. Their drive and determination to build a better future for those living with autism is still the focal point of our charity today; we exist to open minds to the fact that every autistic person has unique skills and abilities, can achieve great things and lead a purposeful life.

“The world has changed and so have we. We are growing and evolving and our new name and identity reflects the possibilities which should exist for autistic people, as they do for the rest of society. The fresh identity also represents our growing breadth of services and the organisation we want to be in the future.”

Chairman Malcolm Farrell said: “We look forward to using our new identity. The positive and dynamic new name and look is the outcome of a consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, including most importantly, autistic representatives.”