Simon's story
Adopted at the age of two, Simon’s behaviour deteriorated at eighteen, he began to continually abscond from home, carry offensive weapons, fight with the police as well as display increasingly erratic behaviour.
Simon moved to Bethany House in October 2001 having been asked to leave his previous care home for his problematic and dangerous behaviour. His level of intelligence meant he was unsuitable for a care home catering for learning disabilities.
Simon has a particular obsession with potentially dangerous tools, can be aggressive, self harmed, charms and persuades others and doesn’t understand the consequences of his actions and is unwilling to discuss them.
A more detailed analysis and evaluation of the various facets of Simon’s behaviour within Bethany House, indicated that he should be regarded as having a significant degree of Autistic Spectrum Disorder with specific reference to Asperger’s syndrome. The focus was to identify Simon’s wants and needs, provide positive feedback and reinforcement for efforts and accomplishments, role play various social situations to demonstrate appropriate and effective responses and identify goals and break them down into manageable steps for programmed success etc.
Now much more mature, Simon’s anger levels are lower and he is learning patience rather than demanding immediate gratification. He has more realistic expectations of himself and others and his social skills have improved tremendously. Another bonus is that Simon no longer sees the emergency services as his personal taxi to collect him from where ever
his ‘adventure’ has taken him.
Simon said “ Bethany is very good at listening to what people need. The staff help me in achieving my potential and also maintain my social skills and add some new ones.”
While Simon feels he is not ready to move on yet and still has a lot to learn, his long-term goal is to move towards supported housing and be more independent.
Care Homes
Bethany House
3 Margaret Road
Harrogate
North Yorkshire
HG2 0JZ
Tel and Fax 01423 501650
