What would you want?

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Somehow or another, we've managed to score a meeting with the mental health commissioner for the NHS in our region. We're pitching an idea to him that autism services should be provided (at least in part) by autistic people, and we've got a few things we're planning to do. He's really into it, and he's got a substantial budget he's looking to spend. Other WP members in the UK might be interested that other regional authorities are looking to build connections with the autism community before the new Autism Act comes fully into effect.

Our plans include a network of social support groups run by autistic people, an online instant access advocacy/advice service, improved access to diagnosis, including self-referral, and post-diagnostic counselling/support.

If you were meeting this guy... what would you want from him? Serious question (wherever you are in the world).... I'd love to know what people think before we meet him. And if you're in the UK, and you'd like to approach your local authorities about doing something in your area, what could our group do to help you?

Last edited by robinhood on 05 Feb 2010, 6:55 pm, edited 1 time in total.

That sounds like an excellent idea. Being the cynic of cynics, I'm seeing the new act as empty until the Autism Strategy is published, and I think we'll have to see what happens there.

Can I ask what NHS region you're in?

Sure, it's Devon... but I think it's a pretty accepted part of the strategy nationwide that autistic people should lead and be involved in the governance of our services, so it's worth finding out what your local authorities are up to. Nothing ventured, nothing gained... I think it normally falls to the NHS, but in some areas it might be social services that are putting the new package together.

Wow; an Autism ACT Radical



I'm really glad that you have specific legislation for the Autism community.

There's nothing that I would want from this guy, or the Government, in any country.

This is for two reasons; I'm pretty much a lone ranger and I like to do things for myself and I'm fortunate enough to be one of the people on the spectrum that doesn't really don't NEED any outside help.

Don't get me wrong; my social life is on life support BUT my logical/intellectual life is very healthy and happy and I have a wonderful wife and children.

I don't need help with my business and I don't need money to supplement my income.

That said, I am sure that if I wasn't as independent (albeit married) that I may very well become LESS of a lone ranger

Good luck.

I think a Big Brothers Big Sisters-style mentoring program for young autistics to meet older ones might be a good idea. I would have really benefited a lot from knowing somebody with my diagnosis who'd made it through the teen years more or less intact.

Help for aspies and people with autism to find work, preferably jobs that last longer than six months or so. What's needed are some understanding employers out there as well.

Vanilla_Slice