Specialist Autism Care Home in Mansfield – Support That Truly Understands
Autism isn’t one thing. It’s a spectrum of experiences, strengths, and challenges that looks completely different from one person to the next. So the idea that one approach could work for everyone? It doesn’t. And that’s exactly why we do things differently at Innova House.
Based in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, Innova House is a specialist autism care home with close to thirty years’ experience supporting adults with autistic spectrum conditions. Across all of our residential homes, we provide specialist support for adults with autism, learning disabilities, mental health conditions, physical disabilities, and multiple diagnoses. Each home has expert teams and is equipped to deliver high-quality support across this full range of needs, with Elm recognised as our specialist service for adults with physical disabilities. Whether someone needs help managing sensory overload, building confidence in social situations, or learning the practical skills to live more independently, our team takes the time to understand what matters to them – and builds their support around it.
Understanding Autism – And the People Behind the Diagnosis
Autism is a lifelong condition that affects how people communicate, interact with others, and experience the world around them. Sensory processing differences, repetitive behaviours, and difficulties with social communication are common, but every autistic person is unique.
Many of the adults we support also live with co-occurring conditions such as ADHD, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), learning disabilities, anxiety, depression, or OCD. This means their support needs to be genuinely specialist and deeply person-centred – not a one-size-fits-all package.
At Innova House, we don’t see autism as something to be managed. We see it as part of who someone is. Our role is to create an environment where autistic adults feel safe, understood, and empowered to live the life they choose.
Our Specialist Autism Homes
We offer two residential settings specifically designed for adults with autistic spectrum conditions:
- Woodlands: a nine-bed service comprising four two-bedroom houses and one sole occupancy house, all within the Innova House grounds. Woodlands is designed for adults with autism, including those with dual diagnosis learning disabilities or mental health conditions. Care plans are autism-specific, incorporating sensory assessments, individual communication systems, and personalised day planners.
- Lilac: a two-bed, en-suite residential service for adults with autistic spectrum conditions, including dual diagnosis. Lilac can also be used as a step-down provision for people preparing to move towards more independent, community-based living.
Both homes are small and homely – deliberately designed to avoid the overwhelming, institutional feel that can be so distressing for autistic people. Quiet lounges, secure outdoor spaces, and thoughtfully arranged living areas all help to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm.
How We Support Autistic Adults
Our team is fully trained in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS). This evidence-based approach helps us understand the reasons behind behaviours of distress and develop proactive strategies that improve quality of life. Rather than reacting to behaviours, we focus on identifying triggers, adapting environments, and teaching alternative coping skills. PBS underpins our least-restrictive practice and ensures residents receive consistent, compassionate, and structured support.
Our approach is built on autism-specific, person-centred planning. That means we start by getting to know each individual – their sensory preferences, communication style, routines, interests, triggers, and goals. From there, we create a tailored support plan that evolves as they do.
Our skilled team is experienced in working with the complexities of autism, including:
- Sensory assessments and tailored sensory environments
- Individual communication systems (visual supports, Makaton, assistive technology)
- Proactive, least-restrictive risk management
- Support for co-occurring conditions including ADHD, PDA, anxiety, and OCD
- Daily planners and structured routines adapted to each person
- Community access and social skills development
We also create monthly activity plans filled with meaningful experiences – from cinema and swimming trips to farm parks, themed events, and creative workshops. Everything is designed to broaden horizons, build confidence, and keep life interesting.
Pathways to Greater Independence
Residential care doesn’t have to be a permanent destination. At Innova House, we believe in progression – helping autistic adults develop the skills and confidence to move towards more independent living when they’re ready. Our Lilac home is specifically designed to support this transition, acting as a step-down from more structured residential care into community-based living.
Many of our residents have successfully moved on into supported living. As one former resident told us: “I learned life skills to become more independent and made friends. I even got a job!”
A Home Families Can Trust
We know how much families worry – and how important it is to find a place where your loved one is genuinely understood. At Innova House, we keep families closely involved, with regular updates and an open-door approach to visits. Our CQC reports reflect our commitment to safe, effective, caring, and well-led services, and all of our residential homes are rated Good by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Nottinghamshire County Council inspectors have praised how well our homes are run.
As one family member shared: “It’s lovely to be involved in my son’s care. The staff ask for my advice, keep me regularly updated and we talk. He’s happy here and they all know him well. He calls it home so I know he’s happy.”
Looking for specialist autism care in Mansfield? Call us on 01623 626 252, email enquiries@innovahouse.org.uk, or arrange a visit. We’d love to show you around and talk about how we can support your loved one.
Frequently Asked Questions – Autism Care at Innova House
What autism support does Innova House provide?
We provide specialist residential care for adults with autistic spectrum conditions. Our support includes autism-specific person-centred planning, sensory assessments, tailored communication systems, individual day planners, and proactive, least-restrictive risk management. We support people with autism alongside co-occurring conditions including ADHD, PDA, learning disabilities, anxiety, depression, and OCD.
Which homes at Innova House specialise in autism?
Woodlands and Lilac are our specialist autism residential services. Woodlands comprises four two-bedroom houses and one sole occupancy house (nine beds in total), designed for adults with autistic spectrum conditions including dual diagnosis. Lilac is a three-bed, en-suite service that can also serve as a step-down provision towards more independent, community-based living.
Does Innova House support adults with PDA?
Yes. We have experience supporting adults with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), a profile within the autism spectrum. Our team understands the need for flexible, low-demand approaches and works collaboratively with each individual to reduce anxiety and build trust.
How does Innova House manage sensory needs?
We carry out individual sensory assessments and create tailored environments to support each person’s sensory processing needs. Our homes include sensory spaces, quiet lounges, and secure outdoor areas. Our staff are trained in sensory integration strategies to help residents feel calm and comfortable.
Can autistic adults at Innova House move towards independent living?
Absolutely. While Innova Care offers lifelong care to those who need it, we can also create progression pathways, building practical life skills and community confidence. Our Lilac home can be used as a step-down provision, and past residents have successfully moved on into supported living or more independent settings.
How do I refer an autistic adult to Innova House?
Referrals can be made by social workers, commissioners, healthcare professionals, families, or individuals. Call us on 01623 626 252 or visit our referrals page. We carry out a comprehensive assessment to ensure the right home and support plan for each person.
What activities are available for autistic residents?
We create monthly activity plans tailored to each person’s interests and comfort levels. Activities include trips to the cinema, restaurants, swimming, farm parks, and creative workshops, as well as in-house sensory activities and life skills development in our rehabilitation kitchen. Everything is designed to be meaningful and enjoyable, never overwhelming.
Where is Innova House located?
Innova House is on Forest Avenue, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, NG18 4BX – close to the town centre with excellent access to local amenities, public transport, and community facilities.
Do you provide day services?
No. Innova House provides specialist residential care only. We do not operate day services. All support is delivered within our residential homes, where individuals receive consistent, 24-hour person-centred care.
