Socops has a new project, Socops Plus, which is partly funded for 10/11.We anticipate a Socops plus group will enable older young autistic people to try a variety of new activities out in the community, with support of youth workers: Learning how to use public transport Organising trips to the cinema, bowling or a restaurant. Attending a local swimming pool as a group Learning how to make a social telephone call. Learning basic grocery shopping, cooking and healthy eating skills.

Young autistic people do not have the social communication skills to attend mainstream clubs or societies or indeed the skills or relationships to organise independent activities as other young people of their age do. There is a need to set up a group, with youth worker support, for these young people to develop independence, learn and develop life skills and pracice social communication skills in the community. This should increase their chances of accessing mainstream opportunities.

Positive outcomes we are looking for are for young autistic people to demonstrate improvements in independence, life skills and social communication skills.We would hope that some would be able to forge friendships and start to manage some activities without youth worker help. In addition, families will benefit from their children gaining independence skills and the community will benefit from an increased awareness of what support will help autistic young people to overcome their difficulties.