When I first started at CASBA, I was very anxious and just starting to understand my autism and how it affects my day to day use. I did not know how to fully advocate for myself, or communicate my needs. With help and support from the staff at CASBA, I am now able to advocate for myself with more confidence and communicate my needs at college, at home and at volunteering. I feel that I am now able to understand my needs and how they affect me each day. I can better understand what adjustments I need to work the best of my ability. The Mason Foundation has given me the skills I needed to use in interviews, which has been successful. I am now volunteering at a charity shop in Harborne, where staff support my needs and help me.

Before I joined CASBA I felt very shy and nervous. But when I settled in the group, I started to feel less nervous and my confidence started to grow! CASBA made me feel welcome and made my plushies feel welcome. They gave me the opportunity to advocate for myself, and this made me feel amazing as this led to me achieving a merit in a speaking and listening exam in college. This allowed me to spread awareness about autism and trying to grow in confidence.

Without the support from CASBA I feel lost. CASBA is a great place where inclusivity and fun activities are included. You can be yourself and have fun! I feel more confident and can express confidently about my feeling sand my autism and thoughts. I couldn't be happier with the support from CASBA.