I have been involved with the APP “Making Connections” programme for people with Asperger syndrome in Letterkenny now for 2 years. Since then I have gone through many changes and new experiences. On entering the programme what I liked about it was it was very flexible and individualised to suit my needs. The idea of goal setting was great as it let me plan ahead for what I wanted to achieve in the coming months and allowed me to address any issues that I felt important.

On entering the programme I was on a full time placement. During this period; there were always new experiences and challenges that were coming up. The support and encouragement that I received from the service to help me deal with this was most helpful.

Another area that was important to me was the need for social interaction and support in maintaining this. I also received encouragement in trying to get this up and running. As time progressed the introduction of a mentoring service was a welcomed resource. This meant that on a weekly basis it would be possible for me to meet up for a chat or to do a social activity.

Through APP I also received support towards joining two voluntary services in areas that interested me and I have enjoyed working with them so much so that I have recently joined one of the services as an active volunteer. This also would have assisted me with social interaction.

On joining the APP programme I would have thought in a very different way than now. I would have thought in a very direct way but I now feel that to a degree I can be more open and try out new things rather than talking about them too much. I can also try the alternative to things that may not have been practical for me to do in the past e.g. do a community care course instead of nursing and even trying out new things to benefit me socially.

Overall in general I feel that the programme has been a benefit to myself and has opened many new avenues for me. I now live independently and I am now involved in studies towards gaining a place in college next year.

From being a user of this service now for some time I understand how vital a service like this is for people like me with Asperger syndrome in helping them reaching their potential. Now that the service is fully up and running hopefully it will become recognised as an essential service for many years to come.