Autism - Transition to Adulthood 2015

Summary

Transition from Children's Services to Adult Services and preparation for adulthood is incredibly important for children and young people with Autism.  

Co-operation between the relevant authorities is crucial if the person is to fulfill their life potential. Local Authority Children's and Adult Services, Children's Health Services and Social Care all need to play a part.

Key findings

• Social workers do not always have the time to build relationships with their clients. They can fail to recognise their parents as 'experts' on their child, or even post 18 exclude them from the transition plan process. Other government agencies, notably, the Department for Work and Pensions still regard the parents as responsible, this is both perplexing and disempowering for them
• The Local Authority have been pro-active in engaging with parents in the Local Offer, Personal Budgets and EHCP, together with Short Breaks through Parents Voice Isle of Wight
• Confusion on what is the right terminology, use of language, access to advice and rights, advocacy together with general communication issues can leave parents and carers disillusioned with services, or feeling like they have to 'fight' every step of the way to the the services their loved ones need.