Autism Respite & Short Breaks

Here to provide a lot more than just ‘time out’.

Clannalba Respite & Transitional Assessment Service

"Clannalba is a place dedicated to family support and respite care."

At our respite centre near Biggar we offer flexible, individual support to children and adults with autism, and their families, and respite care as part of a comprehensive support programme.

Clannalba is unique, offering a wide range of planned and purposeful periods
of respite for children and adults from Scotland and beyond. Breaks range from a few hours, to a single night, to two or three week stays during holidays. Our safe and secure environment allows each person the freedom and space they need.

Respite care at Clannalba is far more than a break, our holistic approach allows us to focus on both the service user and carer. We are able to offer advice to families on specific difficulties and to work on developing certain skills.

We have access to systems of professional support outwith the family network. We are committed to developing working partnerships with parents, carers and statutory agencies to ensure the continuity of approach in all areas.

Our respite care service for autism is seamless and provides support to families and carers, promotes the inclusion of the person within the community, and develops opportunities for people with autism. Emergency respite care can also be offered at Clannalba, subject to availability.

Preparing for a New Life

Our two bungalows each create a comfortable, modern home where we work with young and mature adults to prepare them for living more independently in their own community.

Clannalba is one of the few places in Scotland where young and mature adults can be prepared for a more independent life, with full support, whilst living in a self-contained two-bedroom bungalow. Support is on a one-to-one basis, 24 hours a day, with staff sleeping over in the apartment.

As the service is personalised to the requirements of the individual, our review processes provide information as to how long a person will stay. Each placement begins with an intensive period of assessment. This is followed by developing strategies to ensure the person is fully prepared to live more independently.

We continue our support during the transition from Clannalba to their future home. We focus on community living, independent living, domestic skills and functional skills.

Daytime Support for Children

Children come to Clannalba for anything from a few hours to several days a month. It may be as respite to their carers and the first steps towards returning to school.

Every child who spends time at Clannalba has his or her own programme, whether they spend a few hours a week or stay overnight with us. Teachers may also come and work with a child who has been excluded from school in preparation for his or her eventual return to the classroom.

Team Weekends For Teenagers or Young Adults

Those with Asperger's Syndrome, or high-functioning autism, can come to Clannalba one weekend a month for fun and social activities. These weekends provide a social network that allows relationships to develop with people who have similar needs in a relaxing and familiar environment.

We focus on promoting social interaction, trying new life experiences, creating a team atmosphere and improving behaviour in social situations.

Activity Breaks

Adults and children with autism are welcome to come to Clannalba for an activity break of between two and five days. Our location means we can offer a full range of outdoor activities.

Clannalba gives young people with autism a great opportunity to take part in all kinds of activities such as hill walking, wildlife spotting, horse riding, swimming, ten pin bowling, cinema, theatre, and soft play.

A break can be between three and five days and will involve outings in small groups. Although aimed at groups, the programme is tailored to an individual's interests and needs in order to ensure that they gain the maximum benefit from the experiences on offer.

To find out more, please contact Adam Brodie or Kelly Logan on 0845 3009272 or email : clannalba@scottishautism.org