Published on 12, July, 2020
I am very concerned, as I am sure that many other people affected by autism will be, of changes to adult social care that are being put forward by Government. Recently I attended a protest outside County Council, protesting against a proposal to take away support from disabled adults who are deemed to have moderate needs. I have been classed as having substantial needs, but with some moderate elements, and I am very worried by these changes. I am aware that many councils already restrict support to those with substantial or critical needs, but this does not make it right to limit support in this way. Autism, and asperger's in particular, is a very complex disability and its presentation can often be subtle, hiding a very significant disability that can only be fully appreciated after someone has really got to know the individual concerned. Moreover, people with autism can have good days and bad days. THey may be 'moderate' part of the time, but if they experience any stress their condition can deteriorate to such an extent that they become critical in a very short space of time.
I do not believe that these changes have been fully thought through. THe changes will not save money. On the contrary, when support is taken away from people it is likely that many will end up in acute psychiatric care, which will be totally unnecessary as preventative care in the community would prevent the need for this, at far less expense.
I have a fantastic support package which has enabled me to undertake voluntary work and to be active in the community. Support helps me to live an independent and fulfilling life. I have no friends and no social network; without support I would be isolated. I dread to think what would happen if my support was decreased or even taken away. I need routine and security in life in order to function. The support has provided me with a safe security blanket from which I can test the waters and take a few independent risks. I volunteer at several places completely on my own because I know that I see a support worker at regular intervals who can provide me with reassurance. Support for me is a great enabler: it makes me more independent and provides me with a sense of control and structure.
I would love to hear from other people about the support they receive, and whether or not they are concerned by the proposed changes
Hi all,
In response to Longman's questions about GPs, we spoke to the NAS Policy team and this was their response;
Hello everyone, This is a very interesting discussion and I think that you have all raised a number of really important points. To address a few:
You are right that it can often be very difficult for professionals to recognise autism, especially as they have often had very little autism awareness training. It is why the Adult Autism Strategy focuses a great deal on the importance of ensuring professionals are given more, and better, autism training. Indeed, the Autism Act statutory guidance tells local authorities and NHS bodies not only do they have to include autism awareness training as part of their standard equality training but they also must offer specialist training to key staff such as GPs and Community Care Assessors. To find out more about the Adult Autism Strategy and statutory guidance visit http://www.autism.org.uk/autismstrategy. Furthermore, another important ongoing project that should ensure that GPs - and other health professionals - get better at recognising autism, are the NICE guideline currently being produced. NICE guidelines are recommendations on the appropriate treatment and care of people with specific diseases and conditions within the NHS in England and Wales. Clinical guidelines are based on the best available evidence. Currently NICE are producing three guidelines, one of which relates specifically to adults with autism and the other two concern children. They will go a long way to improving both the pathway to diagnosis and the support and management of autism. Finally, regarding social care, we too are really concerned about many of things going on locally. While we recognise the financial pressures that local councils are facing, having had their funding from central Government reduced, we are extremely concerned about the impact of cutting vital services which provide a lifeline for so many families. The right support at the right time can make an enormous difference to people affected by autism, preventing them from reaching crisis point - at even greater cost to the local authorities left to pick up the pieces. It is why we have produced a guide to challenging cuts to help people to campaign locally to challenge cuts in their area. Also, it is why we will be working hard to improve the social care system for people with autism in the year ahead. You can find out more about the changes that will be taking place in social care here. I hope that helps. All the best AnthonyNAS Policy Team