Published on 12, July, 2020
This might be one for the Moderators to look into, but I wonder if others have insight on this.
I've had several conversations recently with professionals dealing with adults on the spectrum who've just spouted the triad of impairments, or who've said its all in the triad of impairments.
With all the literature on theories about autism and various interpretations, and approaches to treatment, I could quite understand professionals looking for the easiest synthesis to hand. But what is to hand? Is it just too easy to read up on the triad and related summaries? Or is there nothing else to hand for professionals to use.
The Triad of Impairments, as far as I can see, is of no more value than for diagnosing children. It has little relevance to the everyday lives and experiences of adults, and is hardly appropriate to helping professionals understand adult needs.
It doesn't explain a lot of issues facing adults.
But just what are the main texts used by professionals? And how useful are these texts for supporting adults?
I have yet to be in contact with a professional who understands autism. And I am including diagnosing psychiatrists and specialist nurse practitioner in Asperger's in that statement. Never mind the remainder who don't pretend to specialise as they are general mental health but should at the very least have a basic understanding of what it means to be autistic. No doubt there are a multitude of autistic adults who have been in contact with MHS over the years as undiagnosed adults suffering secondary/related mental health problems, and not one of them was picked up as potentially being on the spectrum.
You can kind of excuse GPs, they are after all, GPs. But MHS professionals not understanding or being aware is inexcusable, autism Act or no autism Act.
MHS are refusing to help me point blank, despite my GP writing to them requesting they support me with my AS. They use my mental health issues as a reason not to give me mental health support .
I am now requesting an assessment of need from social services, no doubt that won't make any difference either.