Autism assessments and transitions
Meet Priory's assessment and transitions directors, who support autistic adults with complex needs.
Priory offer a range of services for adults who are autistic or have a learning disability. This includes healthcare facilities, as well as community-based settings such as residential support or supported living services. Across all our services, our goal is to enable people to live active and fulfilling lives.
Within Priory, we have two assessment and transition directors for complex autism. Across the UK, they oversee the placement of autistic individuals with complex needs. Their role involves developing bespoke care pathways to enable people to transition into community-based services.
Supporting successful transitions
Our assessment and transitions directors work closely with people to carefully plan their transition into their new home. Their goal is to enable each individual to live in the appropriate environment for them. To meet this aim, they work with each person's support team to ensure that the right care and support is in place.
In addition, they support our site management and care teams throughout the assessment and transition process. This means that our teams can develop the appropriate skills and knowledge to meet each person's needs. At every stage, they work collaboratively with other professionals and experts, including our positive behaviour support (PBS) teams.
This work continues even after admission, so that the person can settle in and achieve positive outcomes. We are proud that our thorough and methodical approach results in placement stability and success.
Introducing Michelle Widjaew
Michelle Widjaew is Priory’s assessment and transitions director and has over 20 years of management experience within children’s and adult social care services.
During her time within Priory, she's managed a home rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). In addition, Michelle is a qualified social worker and has achieved a Master of Education (M.Ed) in Autism and a PBS Level 5 qualification.
Across her career, Michelle has gained particular expertise in supporting autistic people with complex behavioural needs. She is passionate about supporting adults to successfully transition into the community from secure hospital settings.
Introducing Carly Jarvis
Carly's career has focused on supporting autistic people and those with complex needs, to access the right support at the right time, with extensive experience leading assessment, transition, and specialist care services across both regional and national settings.
She has over 15 years’ leadership experience in health and social care, including roles as a CQC nominated individual, assistant director, area manager and director of complex care. Throughout her career, she has led multidisciplinary teams, developed new services, and worked closely with commissioners, housing partners and clinical professionals to deliver high-quality, person-centred outcomes.
With a background in psychology and specialist autism services, she is passionate about creating seamless transition pathways, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring autistic people and their families receive the support they need to live fulfilling and meaningful lives.
Contact us for help, referrals or more information
For further information on Priory services offered to the NHS, or to make a referral, please call our dedicated 24/7 customer service centre.