Spectrum is a non-profit making registered charity with over 30 years’ experience in working with people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and similar conditions. We provide residential, domiciliary care and education for people and operate 25 homes throughout Cornwall, supporting over 100 people. Our own independent special education centre provides specialist education for up to 12 children aged 11 to 19 years old. The individual's needs and principles of person-centred planning underpin everything we do. All our homes are much like ordinary family homes, service users live in environments which match their needs and aspirations. They also take part in the running of their homes and make choices about how their lives are managed. As much as anyone else they are part of society and so are encouraged to contribute towards it as well as benefit from what it offers. In May 2012, Spectrum opened a free information and resource centre, Spectrum's Pearl Centre, based in Truro, Cornwall which is a meeting place for people with autism and their families to get information and advice on autism and associated conditions. We work in partnership with individuals, parents, support groups, schools, other charities, organisations and statutory authorities. The Pearl Centre bridges a gap, providing invaluable information, resources, signposting to families, carers & individuals alike. Since opening, The Pearl Centre has run a yearly local and successful competition for all ages ‘Art is Art’, open question and answer sessions for parents on a monthly bases, health screening sessions in partnership with the NHS Trust, a sibling group for children aged 7-11, professional seminars and opened its doors to many individuals sourcing information. Spectrum is regulated and inspected by the Care Quality Commission and Ofsted.