Testimonials

"Atmospherics has been a huge success here (Somerset Court), and made a very positive impact on what we have to offer as part of our day service. Our service users are always very keen to attend, and will speed up rituals, food and drink to get into the sessions - I have been here 20 years and to see the difference in individuals is nothing less than incredible!"

Jenny Griffiths,
Head of Department, Life Skills
National Autistic Society (Somerset Court)
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"Here at Somerset Court, we have witnessed the exceptional benefits Atmospherics has had on our service users. People previously anxious and highly aroused when faced with a new environment have been relaxed and content as a consequence of these therapeutic sessions.
I cannot praise the Atmospherics Trust enough and look forward to continued partnership working with them"

Brian Currie
General Manager
National Autistic Society (Somerset Court)

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" I have been working at Somerset Court for ten years, my current role is practitioner in the creative arts department. In my experience Atmospherics has proved to be the most successful form of relaxation therapy we have been able to offer. I have been fortunate enough to witness the dramatic and outstanding effect Atmospherics has on people I support. Atmospherics appears to engulf your senses providing total stimulation and relaxation simultaneously, it is incredible to watch a person be able to lie down in close proximity to others, such is their desire to embrace this experience. It seems to give people two hours of freedom from the invisible control autism can have on their lives, anxieties, rituals, obsessions have temporarily lost their power as the experience has been allowed to take over, and as an observer, you get to see who the person is behind the autism.
One gentleman who I have worked with for several years chooses to speak very infrequently, finding close verbal interaction too intense and intimidating. Atmospherics has had such a positive impact on him, when asked if he could have a drink before a second session he took just 30 seconds to drink it, when in some instances it could take up to 20 minutes. On another occasion he was offered another session and asked for the keys to our department. When I asked what he needed them for he replied "to get my coat". This is the first conversation he has ever instigated with me."

Nina Ratcliffe,
Practitioner, Creative Arts Department
National Autistic Society (Somerset Court)
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Liaise Loddon Ltd
Pelicans, St Mary's Road, Meare
Glastonbury
BA6 9SP
9th April 2008

" Liaise Loddon provides specialist care and support for individuals with the most severe and profound cognitive impairment associated with autism, who exhibit high frequency and high intensity challenging behaviours which can restrict their access to the community.
I contacted Atmospherics in February (2008) with the aim of our service users being able to integrate into a group activity. I initially was hoping that two service users would be able to take part in the sessions, not thinking it would be suitable for anyone else. However, I was proved wrong! So far four service users have had the opportunity to experience the environment that Atmospherics provides. All four have responded positively to the sessions, three continuing to attend on a regular basis.
Everybody attending the sessions (staff included) are noticeably relaxed on arrival. The service users are keen to take off their shoes and prepare for the session. All find relaxation, in general, difficult and lying still, engaging in the atmosphere for two hours I would not have believed possible if I had not seen it first hand. As the session commences the posture and general demeanour of all noticeably changes. From observation you are able to see people smile and laugh, something which is not readily expressed unless real enjoyment is being experienced. I cannot put my finger on what exactly it is about the sessions that make it so successful, as the concept appears to be so simple. Whatever the factor is, I feel the sessions are of real benefit to those who attend and having the opportunity to truly relax is invaluable."

Michelle Payne
Autism, Sensory and Communication Co-ordinator