Ashleigh is a sociable young man with Asperger’s who loves being active and around people. His parents, Sandra and Terry, describe him as a “pleasant child” with a curious personality. Terry adds, “He’s always had his little quirks, but overall he’s a lovely lad, he’s been a gift to us.”

Ashleigh has a lifelong fascination with vehicles. “He has to know all about cars, vans and lorries – where they were made and what sort of engine they have,” Sandra explains. At home, he enjoys Lego, Xbox games and spending time with family. He also loves outings: cinema, bowling, crazy golf, or trying new places for lunch. “He just loves socialising,” Sandra says.

As Ashleigh grew older, Sandra and Terry worried about finding the right support to help him transition into adulthood. “He was going from being a child to an adult, but in his own mind he’s still a child. We needed the right place for him,” Sandra explains.

When they discovered VIP, it offered exactly what they were looking for – a familiar, engaging and supportive environment. Many of Ashleigh’s former school friends also attended, helping him settle quickly. “He never settled anywhere as quick as when he went there,” Sandra recalls.

VIP is now central to Ashleigh’s routine, something he genuinely looks forward to. “He’d go seven days a week if he could,” Sandra laughs. He enjoys drama, dance, music and circus skills, with something different every day. “There’s never a dull moment,” Sandra adds.

The service has also boosted his confidence and communication. “When he was younger, you had to drag a conversation out of him,” Sandra says. “Now he just wants to tell you everything.” Daily, he excitedly shares his experiences at VIP, keeping his family up to date with everything he’s learned and done.

VIP has encouraged new interests and awareness of the wider world. “They talk about what’s going on in the world and that’s really good for him,” Terry explains.

For Sandra and Terry, VIP goes beyond activities, it gives Ashleigh purpose, routine and meaningful social connections, while providing reassurance that he is happy and supported. “If Ashleigh didn’t have VIP, he wouldn’t cope at home all the time,” Sandra says. “He likes to be active from the minute he gets up to the minute he goes to bed.”

He has built strong relationships with staff and peers alike. “A lot of the staff have been there a long time. They really know him,” Sandra says.

Rather than a single milestone, Ashleigh’s growth is seen in his happiness and enthusiasm every day. “Every day there’s something different,” Sandra explains. “His excitement after each session shows how much the service means to him.”

Advice to other parents

Sandra and Terry strongly encourage other families to consider VIP: “Just go and have a look, talk to the staff and see the environment. He never settled anywhere as quickly, that says everything,” Sandra reflects.

For Ashleigh, VIP is more than a service; it’s a place where he feels included, confident and valued. For Sandra and Terry, it brings reassurance, support and the knowledge that their son is living a full and happy life.