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Our Facilities
Caudwell International Children’s Centre
The award-winning Caudwell International Children’s Centre is the UK’s first purpose-built centre for multi-disciplinary therapy for childhood disability and research of neurodevelopmental conditions including autism.
The centre was designed in direct consultation with our beneficiaries and stakeholders with the aim to deliver a building which was fully inclusive, welcoming and fit for purpose.
Sensory Rooms
Inside the centre we have Sensory Rooms which provide a more functional part of the autism assessment process.
Our Sensory Rooms are designed to support occupational therapy and provide a functional part of the assessment process of children’s sensory needs. These rooms have a range of equipment including therapy balls, scooter boards, swings and tactile and visual materials.
Quiet spaces
Early design consultation with children and their families showed a preference for internal spaces with comfortable quiet areas featuring cushions and soft furnishings, this is why we have several quiet break out spaces located throughout the building. These spaces create a calm environment where autistic children can retreat to if they become overwhelmed or over stimulated.
Acoustics, lighting, colour
Internal spaces have been carefully designed to reduce distracting acoustic sources.
The centre adopts a wide neutral colour scheme with the addition of variable LED colour washes in each assessment suite. This is so children can select a colour that they feel most comfortable with.
Lighting has been designed to illuminate areas without glare, confusing reflections or shadows while providing adequate and appropriate lighting levels to all areas. Solor controlled glazing has been utilised throughout the centre to reduce solar glare, minimising the risk of over stimulation or distraction.
Security
In consultation with parents, children and professionals, they advised us that the use of keys and security cards to pass through secure areas heightened anxiety and encouraged more challenging behaviour. To combat these issues, proximity reader technology was installed to unlock doors using a reader held in a member of staff’s hand.
Outdoor spaces
The centre has a number of outdoor spaces for families to enjoy, including a wild sensory garden that was designed by children. Outdoor spaces are important for self-regulation.
