A MAN who is diagnosed with autism and learning difficulties has shared his experience of accessing support services ahead of World Autism Awareness Week.

Peter, who lives in Wokingham, attends Optalis Learning Disability Day Service which helps him to interact with others and get out of the house.

Building on this success, the Out and About team started to prepare Peter for his first overnight stay and he was described to be 'bright and happy' and had 'thoroughly enjoyed his time away'.

However, before he took part in the service, Peter was attending a short break service and found it unhelpful because it was too noisy and busy.

Peters' support worker said: "Peter has a wicked sense of humour and is a very friendly, extremely polite, considerate and likeable man. "He has been on a long and rewarding journey and I am proud to see how far Peter has come, with support from a consistent and patient staff team.

"His tolerance levels of changes and sudden noises."

Optalis provide a variety of services, such as Out and About, to learning about gardening in a rural setting.

The facility also run a day service for people with dementia, and a day service for people with a physical disability and/or neurological injuries.

Julia Harris, Optalis Head of Non-Regulated Services said, “World Autism Awareness Week is an opportunity to increase awareness, understanding and acceptance of autism, in the communities that we live.

"We support many individuals with autism and our aim is to ensure they feel fully integrated in their community, living happy and fulfilled lives.”