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Desperate for Help with Asperger's

NAS75429
Hello,
I hope you're all keeping well :).
My name is Daniel. Just under a year ago, I was formally diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). My assessors noted, informally, that I'm a typical example of someone whom would have previously been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome.
After receiving a formal diagnosis, I was hoping that I'd finally be able to find the sort of tailored and specific help that I've always been seeking to help me deal with a lot of the key problems in my life that autistic people often struggle with. Unfortunately, until now, I've been very disappointed.
From my experience so far, it seems as though many/most therapists, peer supporters and general mentors specialising in ASD really are wasting their time (not to mention mine). I'm so frustrated by just how poor the so called "help" available is. Why is the help available generally so poor?
I'm really struggling to keep on top of basic tasks and admin in my life (insurance, pension, general organisation, tax, keeping in touch with friends and family, career progression, fitness, birthdays, etc). I also really struggle with burnout, overeating and alcohol consumption (the last 2 are also related to burnout). I'm naturally a very driven and focal minded person but as I've got older and committed myself in different areas, I've really struggled to keep on top of everything.
I have a very strange relationship with sensory stimulus. For example, I'm a natural introvert but am also a massive sensation seeker. There's no daring stunt (as long as it's not too dangerous or involves body modification) or adventure that I wouldn't say no to in an instant. My favourite TV series and film series are BBC Tope Gear (with Jeremy Clarkson) and MTV Jackass. I just can't get enough of the stupidity and intense laughing. Yet, seemingly contrary to this sort of mentality, I'm also quite studious. I'm a very good logical and critical thinker. I'm employed as a Data Analyst and recently achieved a First-Class Honours in BSc Mathematics.
Without going on any more, what help and advice would you give to someone in my position? Where can I get help for the sort of struggles that I'm facing (I would be willing to pay).
Thank you.
Parents

  • I'm no expert but some of the things he, like issues with substance abuse, difficulty with health eating and exercise, issues with paperwork. This might be stuff  social services could help with. Have you had a needs assessment to see if you need help from social services? The care act says your assessment should consider the following aspects of your wellbeing that you might need support with:

    • personal dignity (including treatment of the individual with respect);

    • physical and mental health and emotional well-being;

    • protection from abuse and neglect;

    • control by the individual over day-to-day life (including over care and support, or support, provided to the individual and the way in which it is provided);

    • participation in work, education, training or recreation;

    • social and economic well-being;

    • domestic, family and personal relationships;

    • suitability of living accommodation;

    • the individual’s contribution to society.

    A lot of what you're talking about would fall under that. The question is how much could they help you with practically. I mean they could send a social worker rough to help you with paperwork, CVs, etc. 

  • in reply to Peter

    Except that our social services are refusing to do an assessment for me telling me it's health carer's responsibility, meanwhile health say it's not their responsibility. Meanwhile, I have no health care.

Reply Children
  • in reply to Dawn

    All I can sugest is that you quote the "Statutory guidance for Local Authorities and NHS organisations to support implementation of the Adult Autism Strategy" to them which says:

    Under the Care Act (from April 2015), local authorities must:

    Carry out a supported self-assessment of the care and support needs of an adult with autism if that is what the adult wishes (providing they have capacity to consent);

    and remind them that the autism act says this guidance:

    Guidance or revised guidance is to be treated as if it were general guidance of the Secretary of State under section 7 of the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970 (c. 42) (local authorities to exercise social services functions under guidance of Secretary of State).

    and that the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970 says in section 7:

    Local authorities shall, in the exercise of their social services functions, including the exercise of any discretion conferred by any relevant enactment, act under the general guidance of the Secretary of State.

    and that in the court case of Regina v Islington Borough Council Ex Parte Rixon the court found the council must follow the guidance unless it has a good reason not to. Therefor the question arises what good reason do they offer for refusing you an assessment given the guidance says the local authority must if you ask them to? Not the NHS or the health carer it says the local authority must do this.