- Spectrum First was set up in Sheffield towards the end of 2003. It developed as a response to the dissatisfaction which autistic people expressed about the quality of services which were available to them.
- Spectrum First is guided by high standards and is committed to providing quality in all its services.
- Spectrum First actively promotes inclusive and person centred practices.
Company Aims
To work in partnership with autistic people to:
- Enable them to access existing support provision.
- Improve and increase the specialist services which are available to them.
- Challenge negative perceptions and stereotypes throughout society.
- Enable and assist them to make their views known.
Spectrum First Ltd addresses these aims in all areas of its service provision.
Staffing
Spectrum First is currently managed and developed by its founder, Christine Breakey.
Christine is a qualified Social Worker and Lecturer who has a BA Honours Degree in Communication Studies and a Masters Degree in Education / Autism. She has over 25 years experience of working with autistic people in a variety of settings including:
- Residential Child Care and Special Education.
- Social Work.
- Integrated secondary educational provision.
- Further and Higher Education.
- Homelessness.
Christine is committed to challenging prejudice and discrimination at all levels. She is a recognised ASC specialist trainer, advocate and counsellor and is co-author of Access and Inclusion for Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders - Let Me In. and author of The Autism Spectrum and Further Education.
Partnerships.
Spectrum First Ltd works in partnership with autistic people and organisations which specialise in the area of 'hidden disabilities'.