The situation
Oliver has been supported by ABA Pathways for several years through our specialist respite service. For Oliver, respite is about much more than giving his family a break. It is about quality of life, meaningful experiences, trusted relationships and increasing the opportunities he can safely enjoy within his community.
Oliver enjoys music, films, sensory experiences, walks in the woods and social interaction. He can also find unexpected noise, crowded environments, changes and interruptions difficult, meaning that accessing new places and experiences requires thoughtful, individualised support.
What we did
Making respite meaningful
Our team has taken time to build strong, trusting relationships with Oliver and understand what helps him feel safe, regulated and happy.
Using a Positive Behaviour Support approach, we provide predictable routines, visual support, sensory and movement opportunities, and consistency from a small team of adults who know him well.
With the right support around him, Oliver enjoys an increasingly wide range of experiences – from days at The Barn and local parks to restaurants, the beach, Sea Life centres and safari trips.
Alongside having fun, these experiences naturally create opportunities to develop communication, choice-making, independence and regulation, including helping Oliver communicate what he wants, when he needs support and when he wants something to stop.
The Barn
The outcome
Building independence – and supporting the whole family
Oliver also accesses overnight respite, giving him opportunities to become comfortable spending time away from the family home in a safe and familiar environment with adults he trusts.
Respite also makes a difference to the whole family. While Oliver is enjoying meaningful experiences and developing his independence, his family can have time to recharge and spend valuable one-to-one time together.
For us, successful respite isn’t simply about providing care for a set number of hours. It is about helping a young person have fun, build relationships, access their community and experience a fuller life, while giving their family confidence that they are safe, understood and genuinely enjoying their time away.
What Oliver’s family have to say
“ABA Pathways is the lifeline we never knew we needed.
My son Oliver has been under their care for a few years now and as a family we couldn’t be more grateful.
The care Oliver receives is above and beyond. From days at The Barn to trips to Sea-life Centre, Beach, Parks, Safari’s, Restaurants and so much more.
Oliver also receives over-night care which helps him get used to being away from the home and also gives his sister 1:1 time with me.
All staff are amazing and the bond Oliver has with them is something that I would always be grateful for.
Thank You ABA Pathways”