Autistic Inpatient

Hi there,

I am the parent to an autistic young person who has been an inpatient for several years.

To cut a very long story short they are stuck in the system. 

They have long periods of being settled and risk free , however because of the restricted and unpredictable environment they have moments of meltdown, this causes them to harm themselves. 

I do believe their behaviours are due to the non structured environment without any meaningful activities for them. They are currently struggling with executive dysfunction and are sleeping mostly throughout the day. I have asked for support for them from the hospital, however it is falling on deaf ears.  

My questions are: 

Is anyone else going through this?

What support or advice can anyone offer?

Is there any support to help get my young person back home?

I understand my role as 'nearest relative' however I feel I need to pick the right time to appeal their section. 

Can anyone offer any words of wisdom/advice?

Many thanks

Annie x

Parents
  • Dear Annie,

    Welcome to the online community- it is great to have you here! I am Olivia, one of the online community moderators. I am really sorry to hear about your child's experience of being inpatient, it must be a very challenging time for them and the rest of your family. 

    In terms of support/advice I can offer, I would suggest raising some of your concerns with the hospital if you haven't already. It can sometimes be really helpful to speak about what other support they may be able to offer. It may also be worth taking a look at our NAS guidance on: Autistic people and inpatient mental health hospitals 

    It makes sense to want to pick the right time to appeal the section. When it comes up to the time to prepare for possible discharge it may be helpful to speak with hospital staff and community teams about what may be offered for S117 aftercare. This is free support that is available post discharge to help keep someone well. I have included Explaining your rights to section 117 aftercare | Mind for you to take a look at. 

    Thank you for sharing your experience and I hope some of this information is helpful.

    Warmest wishes,

    Olivia Mod

Reply
  • Dear Annie,

    Welcome to the online community- it is great to have you here! I am Olivia, one of the online community moderators. I am really sorry to hear about your child's experience of being inpatient, it must be a very challenging time for them and the rest of your family. 

    In terms of support/advice I can offer, I would suggest raising some of your concerns with the hospital if you haven't already. It can sometimes be really helpful to speak about what other support they may be able to offer. It may also be worth taking a look at our NAS guidance on: Autistic people and inpatient mental health hospitals 

    It makes sense to want to pick the right time to appeal the section. When it comes up to the time to prepare for possible discharge it may be helpful to speak with hospital staff and community teams about what may be offered for S117 aftercare. This is free support that is available post discharge to help keep someone well. I have included Explaining your rights to section 117 aftercare | Mind for you to take a look at. 

    Thank you for sharing your experience and I hope some of this information is helpful.

    Warmest wishes,

    Olivia Mod

Children
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