Connor’s journey

Connor is a 21 year old with a bright, playful personality and a wicked sense of humour, who can find aspects of the wider world overwhelming.  

Mum Kerry shared: ‘Connor is very happy, lively, mischievous when he wants to be… very caring and very loving.’ 

Before joining National Star, Connor had spent nine years at his previous school and found the transition to college to be a big change. Rebecca Roberts, Curriculum Manager in Wales, shared: ‘When Connor arrived, he was very quiet and withdrawn.’ 

Connor struggled with social interaction, crowded environments, changes to routine and trying new experiences. Everyday activities like shopping or visiting new places could feel impossible. 

Kerry Mum shared: ‘He was happy enough to stay in his own bubble… not go anywhere apart from school and just come home.’ 

At home, he relied heavily on support. 

‘He would ask me for everything… ‘can you open this’, ‘can you do that’.’ 

Kerry hoped college would help him grow in confidence, independence and social skills, but she admits the reality has gone far beyond expectations. ‘You’ve exceeded all my expectations since being there.

Finding the right place 

Exploring the next setting for Connor was a challenging time for his family, visiting various providers and his parents gauging how Connor expressed his emotions in each one. From the very first visit, something stood out about National Star. 

Mum Kerry shared: ‘When we went to visit, Connor was happy enough to explore alone, which is unlike him, he let go of me and went looking around.’ 

Unlike other settings, where he was withdrawn and anxious, Connor immediately showed curiosity and comfortability. 

‘I knew then, that is the place for him.’ 

A transformation in confidence 

Since joining National Star, Connor’s confidence has grown dramatically. 

‘He was so quiet and withdrawn when he first started, but he’s come out of his shell a lot.’ 

He now actively engages with the people around him, saying hello to people in passing, in college and in the community. Connor is no longer content staying on the sidelines; he’s participating, connecting and enjoying the world around him. 

Growing independence 

One of the biggest changes has been in Connor’s independence. 

‘Now he can go get things himself, he’s more independent with dressing and personal care’ 

Skills that once required full support are now part of Connor’s daily routine, getting dressed, and managing some of his day to day needs independently, opening items and fetching things he needs, it’s the smallest changes that mean the most. 

‘He even makes his own bed in the morning. I don’t even have to tell him.’ 

These everyday milestones have had a huge impact on both Connor and his family. 

Breakthrough moments 

Confidence in the community 

‘Shopping was a no-go because of the crowds and noise.’ 

However, Connor has taken part in such a wide range of activities through National Star, from shopping in the supermarket, to farm visits, meals out, the cinema and bowling, to name a few.  

Now, Connor enjoys being out and about. ‘He absolutely loves it… he pushes the trolley and talks to people.’ 

Medical appointments 

‘It used to be like World War Three when attending a medical appointment.’ 

Through sessions at college around medical appointments, what to expect and regular role play relating to check ups and common procedures, Connor has demonstrated that he is more comfortable now to attend.  

Today, Connor handles appointments calmly and confidently: 

‘He was relaxed; he let the doctor talk to him.’ 

From fear to fun: dressing up

Costumes were once a major fear. 

‘There is no way on earth he would like costumes.’ 

To now, ‘I’ve seen numerous pictures of him in costumes, he even dressed as Santa.’ 

Seeing Connor happily take part in a Christmas performance was an emotional milestone: ‘I couldn’t believe it, hat’s something we thought we’d never see.’ 

Discovering swimming 

Swimming used to be completely off limits. 

‘We couldn’t get him anywhere near the pool.’ 

But Connor started going with college and over time he became more confident and began to really enjoy the sessions. College worked with his mum to share how they supported Connor when swimming, which enabled mum to feel confident to take him outside of college.  

Today ‘He’s like a fish in water, he absolutely loves it.’ 

Connor now enjoys swimming regularly. And this has created shared experiences for him and his mum. 

Enjoying everyday life 

Connor now embraces experiences that once felt out of reach, like cinema trips, community outings and social activities 

‘He’s happy enough to go out anywhere now.’ 

Looking ahead 

As Connor prepares to leave National Star, his family feels far more confident about the future. 

Mum Kerry shared: ‘He’s more prepared for the world.’ 

With plans for continued activities, community engagement and support, Connor is ready for his next chapter. 

Kerry has a clear message for families considering National Star: ‘If you want to see your child improve and come out of their shell, go for it. It’s the best experience Connor has had’.  

Connor’s journey is a powerful example of what the right support and environment can achieve. 

Mum Kerry shared: ‘He’s grown in every shape and form that I could ever wish for.’ 

Today, Connor is confident, sociable and increasingly independent, but his journey to get here has been transformative.