17/06/08 - Research reveals adults with autism in Scotland are isolated and ignored

The National Autistic Society Scotland (NAS Scotland) has launched a report which reveals that over half of adults with autism in Scotland (54%) do not have enough support to meet their needs. Based on the largest ever survey in Scotland on the experiences of adults with autism and their families, it reveals for the first time the miserable daily reality for many thousands of adults with autism who feel isolated and ignored, are unable to access the required support, and are often completely dependent on their overburdened families.

The I Exist report signals the second phase in the think differently about autism campaign, which was launched by NAS Scotland in October 2007. It is the first time a major campaign has focused on the needs of adults with the disability.

The findings of the report reveal a devastating lack of services, as one adult with autism told us: “My family often have to fight for me to get the support and life that I need. This is a constant struggle”

Key findings from the report are that in Scotland:�

• 52% of adults have not had an assessment of their needs since the age of 18.
• 83% of adults who currently receive inadequate support believe that, with more support, they would be less isolated
• 70% of adults who receive insufficient support believe their general health would improve with more support.
• 52% of adults have been bullied or harassed since the age of 18.
• Overall, only 56% of adults with autism in Scotland are currently receiving any services, despite there being a clear and ongoing need for more support.
• Only 13% of adults with autism are currently in full-time employment.
• 57% of adults with autism have experienced anxiety, 53% of adults have experienced depression and 31% of adults with autism have developed mental health problems

�Carol Evans NAS Scotland National Director for Scotland said:

�“For too long adults with autism have found themselves isolated and ignored; they struggle to access support and are often hugely dependent on their families. It does not have to be like this - ‘I Exist’ is the message from adults with autism in Scotland who want their needs understood and the barriers to support removed. The right help at the right time can have a profound effect - we are calling on the Scottish Government to think, act, and transform lives”.

NAS Scotland is calling on the Scottish Government, local authorities and local health agencies to accurately record the number of adults in Scotland with autism.� The report identified a fundamental problem: not knowing how many adults with autism there are means that planning and delivering services they need cannot take place. Local authorities and health agencies must record the number of adults with autism in their area.

NAS Scotland is calling for better understanding of autism - health and social care staff who regularly work with adults should be trained in autism. Many professionals in Scotland fail to understand the complexities of the condition, which can lead to adults with autism receiving inadequate support. The way services are structured also means many fail to qualify for any support at all. This exclusion from support increases isolation and can escalate to mental health problems and other serious difficulties.

NAS Scotland is calling for a range of support services to meet the needs of all adults with autism. Many feel isolated, having to rely solely on their parents or family. Increased preventative support, such as social skills training or access to social groups may prevent needs from escalating and helps those with the condition to gain independence and improve the quality of their lives.

NAS Scotland is calling on the Scottish Government to lead the way. Adults with autism face significant barriers which prevent them living their lives to their fullest potential. If this is to change, national leadership is required from the Scottish Government.

For more information about the campaign and to download copies of the I Exist report, visit
www.think-differently.org.uk email [email protected] or call 0141 285 7108.

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