A SPECIALIST residential college has hosted a site visit by members of Frome Chamber of Commerce.

Farleigh Further Education College in North Parade, Frome prepares young people with Asperger syndrome for independent living.

It provides a 38-week placement for 16 - 19 year olds where students acknowledge their diagnosis and express a desire to work, live and study as self-reliant adults in mainstream communities.

Principal Andrew Chiffers explained the background to the formation of the college and transition co-ordinator Amy O'Leary talked about possible employment/placement opportunities and the level of support on offer.

  • Asperger syndrome is a form of autism, which is a lifelong disability that affects how a person makes sense of the world, processes information and relates to other people.

    Asperger syndrome is mostly a hidden disability, meaning it is not possible to tell that someone has the condition from their outward appearance. People with the condition have difficulties in three main areas. They are:

  • social communication
  • social interaction
  • social imagination


People with Asperger Syndrome do not have the learning difficulties often associated with autism and many are of above average intelligence.

Fore more information visit www.nas.org.uk