@ClancyPegg
Our son went to Farleigh College for 3 years, and finished last summer. The first time he set foot in there, he knew instantly, as we did, that it was the right place for him.
He went there lacking in confidence and self esteem, riddled with insecurities and anxiety - the legacy of a disastrous experience in mainstream FE, where no one understood autism and just expected him to fit in with everyone else.
Within weeks of him being there, we noticed a difference in him as he was so happy.
The staff are lovely and the thing that struck me, after the ignorance I had encountered in mainstream FE, was the fact I never had to explain anything to anybody, because they understood autism and the anxiety that all too often goes with it.
They nurtured and encouraged our son, gave him varied opportunities and although mindful of his underlying anxiety, always had high expectations of him.
As a result, he made amazing progress in all areas and achieved much more than we ever imagined was possible. He learnt independent living skills, including travelling across the country between home and college by himself on the train (frequently coping with changes, cancellations and delays), he did work experience dealing with the public, and he learnt how to have proper conversations rather than talking at people or just answering yes or no.
He learned to socialise with fellow students and formed friendships, with some who he has continued to keep in touch with. He can now organise himself and actively seeks to do things independently from us. Best of all, he has become much more confident and self assured, he has learnt to be assertive and to manage his anxiety so it is hardly noticeable.
All students with ASD are different and no educational establishment will ever suit everyone, but Farleigh College was the best thing that ever happened to our son. I'd say it's well worth a visit.