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The Autistic Centre is a Pembrokeshire County Council specialist provision for pupils with autistic spectrum disorder. Admission is for children between 3 and 11 years of age. The Autistic Centre Admission Panel is the body that determines admission to the Centre. The pupils who already have a Statement of Special Educational Needs will gain admission via the admission panel, subject to ratification of the placement by the Pembrokeshire County Council's Inclusion Panel.

Criteria for admission:

1. Following a multi disciplinary assessment the consensus of opinion is that the pupil has a range of difficulties, that is likely to place them on the autistic continuum. At this stage the pupil may not possess a medical diagnosis which places them on the autistic continuum.

2. Parents have agreed that the pupil can be considered for placement within the Autism Centre.

3. The pupil would have great difficulty in accessing mainstream lessons due to social, behavioural and/ or educational factors.

4. Although the pupil may well have associated difficulties autism is regarded as the primary disability.

Pembroke Dock Community School also offers direct admission to mainstream classes for children with autism. This is also determined by the County Council Inclusion Panel.

A variety off-site activities, such as shopping and swimming are provided. The children are also able to make educational visits to support their learning and to enhance their understanding of different places and people.

Provision for children with autism in Pembroke Dock Community School includes the Autistic Centre, which is located at the heart of the school and provides an inclusive learning environment for its special children.The children are able to have the core teaching and curriculum enhanced by therapeutic activities, available in school. These include developing sensory awareness, tai chi and dance, play and music therapy.

The Centre currently has four main teaching bases, which are organised with clearly defined areas for different activities with each area having an integral kitchen providing the children with opportunities to develop life-skills. Centre pupils enjoy the use of a large and small sensory room and a soft play room. The Centre has links with a number of visiting professionals, such as the Speech and Language Therapist and the Educational Psychologist.

Pembroke Dock Community School is committed to inclusion for all children with special educational needs. The Autistic Centre children have access to a range of inclusion opportunities which are appropriate to their needs and characters.

A number of children who are admitted to the Autistic Centre are able to become based in a mainstream class after a period of gradual integration. They are able to continue with access to the facilities in the Centre.

Website created by Bev Evans, PDCS, 2008