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
Cheers Longman, as you say this an important issue. Anthony from the NAS Policy team came back with some more information about work currently being produced by the Royal College of GPs.
You can see some details of the developments on the website but here's some details - training materials for GPs being produced by the Royal College of GPs re: autism
The aim of this project is to develop an e-learning course for general practitioners and other primary care professionals, aimed at improving professional standards relating to the care of people with autism and their families. The course will consist of four sessions, focussing on the following key areas: improving the understanding of autism among frontline health professionals; improving access to early and accurate diagnosis; improving post-diagnostic support for individuals, carers and families and the management of transition; improving data collection and commissioning of services; and making primary healthcare settings more accessible. The RCGP is working with DIPEx, a primary care research charity, in order to produce a patient experience-centred e-learning package.
The course will consist of four sessions, focussing on the following key areas: improving the understanding of autism among frontline health professionals; improving access to early and accurate diagnosis; improving post-diagnostic support for individuals, carers and families and the management of transition; improving data collection and commissioning of services; and making primary healthcare settings more accessible.
The RCGP is working with DIPEx, a primary care research charity, in order to produce a patient experience-centred e-learning package.
We're currently finalising the area of the Community where people will be able to get involved in upcoming developments and campaigns for the NAS. That should be with us next week and this should be a great way to help us take your concerns on board and help shape plans.