A recent report by the NDA highlighted some very worrying issues relating to how adults are suffering due to a underdeveloped service response for adults with autism.
Remarketably the Irish state has admitted that they have a “lack of knowledge” of the number of adults with autism, their location and their needs.
The NDA report went on to say that funding of services for adults with autism tend to be relatively short term without thinking of the long term benefits that may accrue.
The lack of information on adults with autism is amazing, there is a lack of data on the costs of care for people with autism and this lack of data makes cost of effectiveness studies of certain interventions more difficult.
Consideration is taking place of developing and implementing good practice from neighbouring countries such as Special Autism Teams which operates in the UK and these teams aim to provide local specialist expertise to mainstream services.
A Team would consist of the following,
- Social Worker
- Training Coordinator
- SD Employment Advisor
- Clinical Psychologist
- Therapist
- Community Psychiatric
This approach would ensure that a collaborative approach by pulling together services and expertise unlike the situation that currently exist in Ireland with supports scattered across the region and country.
For further information contact info@dontleavethembehind.com.