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A tsunami of need

By Anthony Warren - posted Monday, 4 June 2012


o Accessing leisure and social activities (55%)

o Dealing with bullying and discrimination (53%)

o Accessing professional services (59%)

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What is We Belong and why was the study conducted?

Autism is a lifelong developmental disorder characterised by difficulties with social interaction and communication. Adults living with HFA and AD have never before been given an opportunity on this scale to have their voices heard, to discover what services and support they need in order to live happy and fulfilling lives and to be contributing members of society.

In 2011, Aspect worked with people living with HFA and AD, and their families and carers to uncover the realities of their daily lives. The resulting report – We Belong – has given us qualitative and quantitative insights into the experiences, aspirations and needs ofthese adults, through topics studied including health, education, work, social life, community involvement, and daily living.

Results

We Belong highlights the lack of of any government funding for services and support for this group of people in the community and proves the vital need for this to change. The biggest challenge is that whilst these people have autism, but no intellectual disability, they do not qualify for government benefits, when this is exactly what they need. A survey participant Jenny, aged 29 from WA stated: "As I am not intellectually disabled, but someone who has the "high functioning" label, others tend to downplay my difficulties because they are not as obvious. I tend to fall between the cracks regarding services – I'm not seen as requiring assistance, when in reality, I do."

Survey results also show that educational experiences for people in this group are characterised by worrying trends including –

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· social isolation

· failure to meet learning support needs

· harassment and bullying

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To read the whole report go to: www.aspect.org.au/news

About Aspect:

Research shows that autism spectrum disorders affect around one in 100 people and that they are more common in males than females. Autism is a lifelong developmental disability which remains largely misunderstood by the community despite its prevalence and far-reaching consequences. Limited social skills and an inability to communicate and interact are the most obvious impairments. Early intervention opens up the best opportunities for progress so that many people with autism can lead productive lives.

Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) operates a network of eight schools plus 92 satellite classes in one of the world's biggest education programs for children with autism. A not-for-profit organisation working in partnership with families and service providers, it offers evidence-based interventions for individual needs. Professionals and families benefit from Autism Spectrum Australia's assessments, early intervention, behaviour support, workshops, volunteer support, and outreach programs. It also offers services for adults with autism. All programs aim to maximise learning potential, participation, and independence by increasing capacity and confidence in communities.

Visit www.autismspectrum.org.au.



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About the Author

Anthony Warren is the lead research consultant for Autism Spectrum Australia (ASPECT).

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

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