Autism service acquired

A support service for hundreds of people across Cork has been taken over, it was confirmed this week.

Rehab Group, Ireland’s largest disability organisation, announced the acquisition of Aspect, a support service developed for adults with Asperger Syndrome/high functioning autism.

Aspect was formerly run by the Cork Association for Autism and provides specialist supports and intervention to approximately 600 people in the Cork and Kerry area, whilst also promoting awareness, education and understanding of Asperger Syndrome.

Barry McGinn, CEO of the Rehab Group, said: “We are delighted to announce this acquisition and are excited to continue to deliver high-quality services to people who will benefit from Aspect’s services. Rehab Group offers a wide range of services to support people with autism, in fact more than 20 per cent of the people in our services are on the autism spectrum.

“We have developed a strategic plan to enhance the many successful elements of our current autism specialist service provision. We aim to work towards offering a seamless pathway of specialist support for people with autism - through which people can continuously progress, and reach their full potential, Aspect will play a key role in that goal,” concluded Barry.

Aspect clients liaise with qualified and experienced key workers who help provide information and guidance in the areas of education, employment, independent living skills, communication and social skills and social and community involvement.