Care provider strives for ‘autism intelligence’ excellence with specially created role

Orbis Education and Care has appointed a leading autism education specialist in the form of Sue Hatton. Sue joins the UK education and care provider in a role created to help achieve ultimate levels of autism intelligence across the organisation.

Wales-based Orbis Education and Care runs 17 schools, residential homes and day facilities for children and adults with complex needs associated with autism and is one of the UK’s leading specialist providers.

As Autism Advisor, Sue will draw on her extensive professional experience of working in the education and charitable sectors to ensure best autism practice continues to be delivered throughout all of the group’s services. Sue’s appointment is integral to Orbis’ efforts to achieve what the group describes as ‘ultimate autism intelligence’.

Formerly a teacher in mainstream, special and further education settings, Sue is also a published academic in the field of autism having worked closely with the British Institute for Learning Disabilities.

CEO of Orbis Education and Care, Suzanne Lawrence, said: “This appointment is a reflection of our desire at Orbis Education and Care to become a truly autism-intelligent organisation. It is our practical commitment to achieving this.

“Introducing a specialist Autism Advisor to our team is the next stage in what is a continuous journey for us in raising autism awareness and promoting best care practice. We’re delighted to welcome Sue on board and can’t wait to put her knowledge, expertise and experience to good use for the benefit of the families, individuals and wider communities that our services exist to support.”

Sue, a Bristol-based mother and grandmother, has been working with young people and adults with autism for more than 40 years, and is also a keen beekeeper in her spare time.

On her appointment, Sue said: “I’m really looking forward to supporting the development of a pioneering autism strategy at Orbis that will continue to take staff on a journey from being simply autism aware, to achieving ultimate autism intelligence.

“I accepted the role as it was clear to me that there is a serious commitment at Orbis Education and Care to be a comprehensively autism intelligent company, and I’m absolutely delighted to be joining the team.”

Orbis is currently recruiting specialist staff to join its schools and care homes around Wales. Visit Orbis’ website for more information.