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  1. Home
  2. Knowledge hub

Knowledge hub

Autism is a lifelong developmental condition that affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people, as well as how they experience the world around them. It is a spectrum condition: some people with autism can live relatively independently but others may need a high level of support throughout their lives. The condition at the complex end of the spectrum can make life extremely challenging for the families of those who are affected.

We are ambitious about transforming the future for young people with complex autism. We strive to be at the forefront of autism research and best practice to ensure the best possible outcomes for our young people. We are committed to sharing our experience and expertise with other professionals, parents and anyone with a passion to learn more about complex autism.

Research Programme

Research Programme

Improving outcomes through our autism research programme. Read more

Published: 17th December, 2020

Updated: 7th October, 2025

Author: Rachel Drinkwater

Resources

Resources

Resources for those supporting autistic people with complex needs. Read more

Published: 1st December, 2020

Updated: 26th March, 2024

Author: Rachel Drinkwater

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Latest

  • Newbury Racecourse 5k, 10k or Half Marathon 2026

    Newbury Racecourse 5k, 10k or Half Marathon 2026

    Take on a 5k, 10k or half marathon at one of Britain's leading horse racing venues!

  • London to Paris cycle challenge 2026

    London to Paris cycle challenge 2026

    Take on this epic cycle through the English and French countryside and support autistic young people with complex needs!

  • Snowdon at Sunrise 2026

    Snowdon at Sunrise 2026

    Looking for a unique challenge - how about climbing Snowdon at night to reach the summit around sunrise?!

  • Battersea Park Bungee Jump 2026

    Battersea Park Bungee Jump 2026

    Take a thrilling 160ft bungee jump over stunning Battersea Park, with breathtaking views of the River Thames and London skyline - all to raise vital funds that help transform the lives of autistic young people with complex needs.

Most read

  • Autism Practitioner

    Autism Practitioner

    We're looking for people with and without experience in care to join our dedicated support teams to help the autistic young people with complex needs we support to thrive.

  • Team Manager - Care

    Team Manager - Care

    Are you an inspiring leader passionate about making a difference in the lives of autistic young people with complex needs? We’re looking for Team Managers to guide our dedicated teams of Autism Practitioners and ensure that best practices are followed, leading to the best possible outcomes for those we support.

  • Our purpose and ambition

    Our purpose and ambition

    Our charity's purpose and ambition to transform the future for autistic young people with complex needs.

  • Admissions

    Admissions

    Find out more about joining Prior's Court School or Young Adult Provision for autistic young people with complex needs, including our admissions policies and process

  • The Long Road: Zac, Jenny and Peter's stories (2025)

    The Long Road: Zac, Jenny and Peter's stories (2025)

    “The Long Road; Stories of love, hope and autistic young people with complex needs” features current Prior’s Court young person Zac, and Prior’s Court ‘alumni’ Peter and Jenny, and their families. The film explores the challenges, perseverance and love that shape the lives of autistic young people with complex needs – and highlights how the right support can create lasting impact well into adulthood.

  • Autism Practitioner - Nights

    Autism Practitioner - Nights

    Our night teams play a key role in improving the sleep patterns of autsitic young people with complex needs and building their independence and life-skills.

  • Term dates

    Term dates

    Prior's Court School term dates and school times

  • Autism Practitioner - Weekends

    Autism Practitioner - Weekends

    We're looking for people with and without experience in care to join our teams working at the weekends to support autistic young people with complex needs.

  • Our story

    Our story

    The story of Prior's Court - an autism education charity inspired over 20 years ago by the experience of one parent and one autistic child.

  • Minibus transport service for staff

    Minibus transport service for staff

    We offer our Autism Practitioners minibus transport service to and from our rural site, meaning you do not need to be able to drive to work at Prior's Court.

Why we exist

Why we exist

All young people at Prior's Court are autistic, have severe learning disabilities and complex needs. We strive to help them to be healthy, happy, more independent and have the opportunity to work. We aspire to transform the lives of even more autistic young people with complex needs and continually push forward with improvements and innovations to provide the best possible care. This is why we exist. Read more

Published: 24th February, 2021

Updated: 2nd April, 2024

Author: Rachel Drinkwater

General donations

General donations

Every donation to Prior's Court, no matter how big or small, will help build a brighter future for autistic children and young people with complex needs. We are incredibly grateful for your support, thank you. For major gifts, please contact us directly. Read more

Donate Fundraise

Published: 4th November, 2025

Updated: 23rd April, 2026

Author:

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Prior’s Court
Hermitage
Thatcham
Berkshire
RG18 9NU

Tel: +44 (0)1635 247202
Email: [email protected]

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