23rd July 2026
Saj is an adult with autism and complex emotional needs. Like many people we support, what works best for Saj is having choice and control.
Starting point
Before joining Dimensions, Saj lived in a shared supported living service. Shared routines meant limited choice, which increased his anxiety. When he first moved into his own home, he needed a lot of support with routines, assistive technology, and managing staff presence. Even with these measures, Saj experienced significant distress and was admitted to hospital for a short time.
Finding the right approach
After Saj came home, we knew things needed to change. His support team was restructured, staff received specialist training, and clinical input was coordinated. The team focused on balancing emotional safety with independence, and slowly, Saj began to feel calmer and more in control of his life.
What the ISF made possible
With his ISF, Saj worked with his team to identify goals that mattered to him—like working with animals. Funding was used flexibly to arrange a placement at a local farm and cover transport, removing barriers to access. At first, Saj felt anxious and unsure. But week by week, his confidence grew. Soon, he was helping with health checks, feeding routines, and chatting with others on the farm.
Watch his video below to hear from Saj:
Building confidence and independence
As Saj grew more confident, his world opened up. He started to enjoy a cooking class every week, learned new skills for living independently, and began contributing his ideas in meetings. He now uses the train, does his own shopping, and meets people in the community—all things that once felt impossible.
Positive change
Today, Saj is proud of what he has achieved. He no longer needs restrictive measures, feels safe in his home, and manages his space with support when he wants it. The flexible use of his ISF has also meant he can enjoy the everyday things that matter to him—like making his home comfortable and planning holidays.
Looking ahead
Saj has been living in his current home for five years now—his longest period of housing stability. He describes his happiness level as “one hundred” and is already looking ahead to new goals, including travel abroad.
