French students with autism take cooking and swimming lessons during Christchurch visit

Autistic French students enjoyed a three-day holiday in Christchurch learning to cook English meals, swimming and playing sports.

Nathan, Noam, and Maye were visiting pupils at Portfield School in Christchurch, which is run by charity Autism Unlimited and supports 4-19-year-olds through education and helps 18-25-year-olds with independent living and employment.

The French students were brought to the UK by Autism Action, which is based in Paris.

Autism Action director Hawa Diakite and colleague Kamélia Becarbi, accompanied the three French students to England.

Autism Unlimited CEO Siún Cranny said: “I went to Paris in March 2022 for an autism conference and while I was there, I visited Autism Action. I was deeply impressed by the charity’s work to support autistic young people and their families.

“Having their students with us for their first visit and watching them bond with our students over football, food, and board games, without a common language, but with such enthusiasm, has been absolutely wonderful. “

Autism Unlimited sixth former Robbie agreed: “We’ve had a lot of fun, especially cooking. We don’t speak each other’s languages, but we don’t need to when we can play games and have a good time.”

Kamélia Becarbi from Autism Action said: “It is the first time they have travelled abroad, and it has been an amazing experience for them to meet autistic students from England.