Supporting Alex to achieve his goals

Alex attended college 4 days a week, but it became clear to mirus staff that he wasn’t enjoying it. Rather than engaging with other people and the learning activities, Alex was under stimulated and didn’t interact with his classmates. His timetables frequently changed, and the disruption to his routine made Alex increasingly anxious and unsettled.

Working with Alex and his circle of support, mirus staff discussed alternatives to college that could support Alex to develop new skills and achieve his long term goals.

Together they decided to take a break from college to see whether it improved his anxiety, and in it’s place they created a structured activity plan that included more things he enjoys.

Although it was a big change, mirus staff supported Alex to understand, process and embrace the change. They used Widget symbols and an information book about positive change to help Alex. After some initial anxiety, Alex started to really enjoy his new routine and activity plan. Many of the activities included sensory elements, which better suited Alex’s needs.

“The difference in Alex’s behaviour was remarkable. Alex enjoyed and was engaged in his new activities, and his behaviour had improved.”

After a few months Alex, mirus staff, and his circle of support discussed the positive impact that the change in routine had made in Alex, and together they decided that Alex should leave college permanently. 

Alex’s college was really supportive – they gave Alex the option to return in future if he decided he wanted to give it another go, and invited him back to campus to collect a certificate. 

Having the chance to say goodbye to his teachers helped Alex understand that he had completed his course, and would now move on to a new chapter of his life.

Since leaving the college Alex has become a part of the ‘Diversity Day Centre’, which he attends multiple times a week. There he learns independent living skills such as cooking, baking, cleaning and how to do laundry. 

“Alex is fully engaged other people who attend the day centre and as a result he is learning relationship building skills such as how to communicate, share and be patient.”

mirus staff will continue to work with Alex to add new activities that he enjoys to his planner, to ensure that he remains stimulated and can learn new skills and gain new experiences.