A 52 week mixed gender registered residential unit for students aged 16-25 with autistic spectrum disorders, severe learning difficulties and associated challenging behaviour.

The Squirrels is a satellite unit to Hill House, set up in order to extend our provision beyond school age. Its emphasis is on providing experiences and developing life, vocational and intellectual skills that will support a successful transition into adult life.

Communication and social skills are a particular focus, to support self-management and independence in preparation for future life in the community.

Students’ communication is supported by a wide range of symbolic and photographic materials as visual clues to promote independence.

Dedicated clinical teams provide a multi-disciplinary input, including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, behavioural therapy, psychology, psychiatry and vocational training.

A quiet, rural location near the village of North Baddesley is ideal for safe access to a small local shop and a country pub. The proximity of Southampton gives wider opportunities to use public transport to visit shopping centres and other city amenities.

Nearby countryside and coast provide opportunities for exercise and experiencing the joys of nature.

Time spent in the community is central to our young people’s development and, to this end, excursions are scheduled daily as appropriate to individual needs and tolerance levels.

Accommodation has been carefully designed to meet the needs of the young people it serves for whom shared living can be a challenge.

All nine bedrooms are single occupancy with en-suite shower facilities.

In addition to communal rooms, adjoining the house is a learning base with IT facilities. To cater especially for sensory needs, we have a white room, a place reserved for messy art and a physical therapy room. There is a large garden with rest and recreational areas, all within a safe and secure environment.

A Parent Liaison Officer is available to discuss, in confidence, a young person’s specific needs and we are delighted to help with any questions or to arrange a visit to the house.

Please call 0800 138 1184