Adults with Autism

There are a number of issues of concern with regard to autism in adults:

The condition remains largely undiagnosed in adults. A recent UK National Health Service survey reported an adult incidence of Autistic Spectrum Disorders running at the rate of 1 in 100. Whilst the study presents with many flaws, essentially using a screening tool designed to look at mild autism traits, identifying only 19 individuals with ASD using ADOS-4 (a module designed for verbal ASD adults), it may suggest that as many as1% of adults have an Asperger condition. Much better designed studies will need to be conducted however to determine the real incidence of ASD in autism.

There are insufficient employment or volunteering opportunities which limit the chances of insertion in the community. A recent BBC documentary entitled “Autism Me” illustrates this issue very well. ATT is engaged with its limited capacity to assist by providing volunteer positions to individuals on the spectrum. Currently our charity very successful benefit from the work of 3 ASD volunteers.

There are insufficient good quality home placements for those on the spectrum unable to live independently.

There are currently many ASD adults who are placed in psychiatric hospital settings, often under heavy medication and with unrecognised health issues. Issues of behaviours in those settings are typically dealt with seclusion, restraint and pharmacological modification. See preview of beautiful French Film, Her Name Is Sabine, on this issue. The 85-minute beautifully filmed directorial debut by acclaimed French actress Sandrine Bonnaire won the International Film Critics Federation Prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 2007.

Opportunities to integrate in the community and to continue to learn are extremely limited.

Assistance to families caring for an adult on the spectrum is almost non-existent.

ATT would like to flag a few campaigns that are addressing some of these issues.

Don’t Write Me OFF Campaign from the NAS:

13.10.09

Hi,

Today we launch Don't Write Me Off — a major new UK–wide campaign.

Shockingly, we've found that around 100,000 people with autism are currently out of work, and not receiving the benefits they need to live on. What's more, although most people want to work, 85% are without a full–time job.

The benefits system is failing hundreds of thousands of people with autism. It doesn't have to be like this. Regardless of whether someone is able to work, they should be able to live a dignified and financially independent life.

Please email your MP and ask them to make sure people with autism are no longer written off. With your help, we can once again persuade politicians to act.

Best wishes,
Matthew Downie

I-Exist-campaign

I-Exist-cake