The P.A.S.E. Unit or Communication Disorder Unit was set up in September 2004 as there was a growing need within the Authority for placements in mainstream schools for pupils on the Autistic Spectrum. Due to the success that Blaengwawr has experienced over the years with the integration of pupils with special needs, it was felt that the school would prove an ideal venue for this new venture.  

Most of the pupils presently in the Unit have been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, a degree of Autism which can be exhibited in many various and different behaviours. Our other pupils have varying degrees of communication problems including ADHD.  

The Unit follows a strictly pupil led curriculum with the emphasis being upon eventual integration into mainstream with their peer groups. The groups follow the same year curriculum as far as is possible, with partial integration in some selected lessons with small mainstream groups. Whilst the initial structure for the group was envisaged as being totally exclusive, we have found that with carefully planned strategies to overcome some of the fears and apprehensions of the individuals, we have been able to join far more mainstream sessions than was ever thought. This has proved to be most beneficial for the pupils as they are now accessing lessons taught by specialist teachers. Also, interaction with peers has increased their level of confidence and movement around the school is now managed without fear.

While the pupils attend mainstream lessons for the most part, provision is also made so that they access support lessons in the Unit. These sessions are used for catching up on classwork if necessary or for sorting out individual problems and anxieties. Also this is a time for speech and language sessions which may take the form of games around the table or speaking and listening exercises in circle time. This is a time for fun and hilarity.   PSE lessons also form a vital part of the PASE timetable. Pupils are helped to master the social and independence skills necessary to live fulfilling lives as young adults.
 
The Unit is also a base to which the pupils arrive and from which they depart every day. Here they are greeted and registered and time is allotted for news around the table. This is where they are helped to organise themselves for the day ahead. It is here that the pupils take their break times and lunchtimes where they are able to relax and chat with their friends.

The PASE timetable has time built in for gardening activities and guitar sessions. This takes place at Park Lane School and is extremely well organised and most enjoyable. The pupils look forward to these sessions and gain valuable practical experience.

At the end of the summer term, our pupils together with pupils from the SEN Department take part in the Welsh Special Games. They form part of a team of competitors from all over South Wales. Over a period of 5 days they compete in athletics and swimming against other teams.  Despite all of the challenges the group usually return with medals from all of their events.  
 
Here in PASE every individual is unique. No pupil has Aspergers they ARE Aspergers!!!!!!!