CQC-registered supported living and community support for adults with learning disabilities and autism — built on what the person can do, not what they cannot.
This is Marula's founding service. Joyce and Melody built our organisation on a belief that has never wavered: that every adult with a learning disability or autism deserves to live a full, self-determined and genuinely inclusive life — in their own home, in their community and on their own terms. Our support is grounded in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), led by Joyce's specialist expertise and delivered by a diverse team of skilled, committed support workers who genuinely believe in the people they support.
🕐 Free assessment · No obligation · Response within 24 hours
Learning disabilities and autism support has been at the heart of Marula Support Services since the very beginning. Joyce, our co-founder and Head of Specialist Support, brought years of frontline experience in this field to the organisation — and her belief that every person deserves to be supported as a whole human being, not a diagnostic label, is reflected in everything we do.
We have supported adults with learning disabilities and autism across Birmingham for over a decade — through transitions from residential care into their own homes, through the development of daily living skills that families had been told might never be possible, and through the gradual, meaningful process of building a genuinely included, self-determined life.
When we say we are specialists, we mean it. This is not a service we added to our portfolio. It is who we are.
Every person we support is unique. These are some of the conditions and profiles our team has extensive experience working with.
Every support arrangement begins with understanding the person first. Diagnoses inform our approach — they do not define who the person is or what they are capable of.
Our support covers every aspect of daily life and long-term development. Every element is tailored to the individual's needs, preferences and goals.
Supporting and building skills in cooking, cleaning, laundry, budgeting, shopping and home management — not by doing tasks for the person, but by working alongside them as they develop genuine competence and independence.
Dignified, patient support with personal hygiene, dressing and self-care routines — always with the goal of building independence and self-management over time, at the individual's own pace.
Supporting access to community activities, social groups, leisure, places of worship, employment, education and all aspects of community life — because inclusion is not optional, it is fundamental.
Tailored support that respects each autistic person's unique sensory profile, communication style, routine preferences and strengths — creating predictable, low-anxiety environments and interactions that enable genuine participation and wellbeing.
Supporting communication using the most appropriate method for each individual — spoken language, Makaton, AAC devices, PECS or other augmentative communication — and advocating for the person's voice to be heard and respected in every context.
Supporting access to supported employment, vocational training, college, volunteering and day opportunities — because a meaningful occupation is central to wellbeing, self-esteem and a truly included life.
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is not a technique — it is a whole-person framework built on the belief that behaviour is communication, and that understanding the why behind behaviour is the only ethical, effective and respectful starting point for support. Joyce has championed PBS within Marula since its founding.
A thorough assessment of the individual's history, strengths, preferences, communication needs, sensory profile and what a good quality of life looks and feels like to them.
Working to understand what a person's behaviour is communicating — whether that is unmet need, sensory overwhelm, communication frustration, anxiety or environmental factors.
Adapting the physical environment, routines and interactions to proactively reduce the conditions that lead to distress or behaviours that challenge.
Building the communication, coping and self-regulation skills the person needs to meet their needs in ways that work for them and for the people around them.
Regular PBS review meetings involving the person, their family and the support team — ensuring the plan evolves as the person grows.
One of the most meaningful things Marula does is support adults with learning disabilities and autism through major life transitions — from residential settings into their own homes, from family care into supported living, or from children's services into adult support at 18.
These transitions are significant and can be genuinely life-changing if managed thoughtfully. Our transition support includes careful pre-placement planning, gradual introduction to new environments and routines, building community connections before the move and providing intensive support in the early weeks and months as the person settles and grows in confidence.
Transition types we support:
Our service is for adults with learning disabilities and autism across Birmingham who need consistent, skilled support to live as fully and independently as possible.
People living in their own home or supported accommodation who need regular, structured support with daily living, personal care, community engagement and PBS-based behavioural support.
Adults moving from residential care, hospital or the family home into greater independence — needing carefully planned, intensive transition support that builds skills and confidence.
Adults on the autism spectrum whose autism significantly affects their daily functioning, social engagement or ability to access the community independently.
Parents and families of adults with learning disabilities or autism seeking professional, specialist support to complement what they provide at home.
Young people transitioning from children's services — a critical period requiring careful planning, continuity and a strengths-based approach that respects the young person's emerging adulthood.
Adults with limited verbal communication who rely on alternative or augmentative communication and need support workers skilled in their specific communication system.
We believe that the best support for adults with learning disabilities and autism happens when families, professionals and support workers are all pulling in the same direction — with the person themselves at the centre.
We involve families meaningfully in support planning and review — communicating regularly, welcoming input and building genuine trust over time. We also provide respite to family carers supporting adults with learning disabilities.
We work in alignment with NHS community LD teams, specialist nurses, psychiatrists and CAMHS transition workers — attending multi-disciplinary reviews and communicating changes promptly.
Coordinating with local authority care managers, social workers and transition coordinators — contributing to and implementing care and support plans that reflect the person's statutory entitlements.
Collaborating with colleges, training providers and supported employment services to help the people we support access the education and work opportunities they want.
Every support arrangement begins with getting to know the person.
Call us or complete our online form. Tell us about the person and what kind of support you are looking for — or what goals you want support to help achieve.
Joyce or a senior member of our specialist team carries out a thorough, person-centred assessment — covering strengths, needs, communication profile, sensory considerations, daily routines and the person's own goals.
We develop a comprehensive, individualised PBS-grounded support plan — created with the person and their family, reviewed before any support begins.
We match the right support workers — considering experience with specific conditions, communication skills, personality and cultural compatibility. We introduce workers gradually where appropriate.
Support starts, and regular review meetings ensure the plan evolves as the person does. Progress is celebrated. Goals are updated. The support grows with the person.
“Marula supported our son through his transition from residential care into his own flat. It took 18 months of careful, patient work — and the result has been extraordinary. He is living independently, cooking his own meals and attending a community group. The support team's belief in him never wavered, even when ours did.”
“Our daughter is autistic and has a learning disability. She had extremely distressed behaviour before Marula. The PBS approach they used transformed everything — not by controlling her but by understanding her. Within six months she was calmer, happier and doing things we never thought possible. This team changed our family's life.”
“I have Down Syndrome and have been working with my Marula support worker for three years. She helps me do my shopping, use the bus and go to my football club. I am much more independent now. I chose Marula because they listened to what I wanted — not just what my family wanted for me.”
Not sure whether we cover your area? Call 0121-7020-176 and we will confirm.
Whether you are a family member seeking support, a professional making a referral or an adult with learning disabilities or autism looking for support yourself — our team is here to listen carefully and work with you to build the right support.
✓ Free assessment ✓ No obligation ✓ Response within 24 hours
