Autism Network Scotland - Transition Forum friday 21.6.2013

www.autismnetworkscotland.org.uk Twitter: @Autism_Network

http://www.autismnetworkscotland.org.uk/

Network History• Autism Network Scotland (ANS) is part of the

National Centre for Autism Studies, within Strathclyde University.

• The network began as Scottish Autism Services Network in 2005.

• Project was set up to: - review local service provision- determine gaps- begin to develop locally linked professional

networks, throughout Scotland.



Key themes from audit:-gaps in service provision, particularly at key points of transition.-a general lack of adult services and support.-the need for clear information for individuals, families and carers and professionals.-the need for a good knowledge base for professionals.-need for more effective multi-agency working.




• 2011: Public Health Minister commits to investing £13.4 million in the Scottish Government and COSLA's new autism strategy over the next four years.

• Autism Network Scotland funded until 2015 to support the implementation of range of recommendations.

Scottish Strategy for Autism


• To be a hub of impartial and reliable information about autism services across Scotland.

• To signpost professionals, individuals on the autism spectrum and their families and carers to the range of services available at both a local and national level.

• To facilitate professional networks across Scotland to support knowledge exchange and promote awareness of autism.

• To develop networking opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum.

Autism Network Scotland Aims include:




Transition Survey

• Survey sent out via email link and link posted on website

• 498 people opened the email invitation sent out and 206 took the survey (41.37%).

• 211 people accessed the survey through other means – from our website or via a Twitter link to the survey

• Total of 417 respondents



Transition Survey

Who responded?



Transition SurveyAreas of interest for respondents:



Transition Survey

Who takes the lead?



• 40% of respondents stated that parents or individuals on the spectrum should be responsible for planning their own transitions.

Transition Survey



Transition Survey



Transition Survey



Transition Survey

Key themes include:

Knowledge and awarenessCollaborative workingTransition in educationTransition from home to school/workTransition into employmentTransition across life span


Transition Survey

Legislation and legal rights of people with autism. Knowledge and awareness about autism. Access to funding, resources, support and services. Transition plans, practical solutions and ways of

effectively including people with autism. Appropriate, on-going support post transition

Knowledge and awareness


Transition Survey

Need for:Better information re: care pathwaysMore effective use of multi-agency pathways.More opportunities to learn from practitioners working in Transition across Scotland.Clearer points of contact/lead professionalImproved inter-agency working.Shared models of good transition for specific points of transition.

Cross collaboration


Transition Survey

EducationParental input into transition plansEarlier start to planning. Support for parents when deciding on school

placements.Communication between school staff and familyAwareness re: autism and other barriers to

learning (dyslexia/ADHD). Supporting learning and coping with exams/post

exam time.Practical solutions and training.


Transition Survey

Employment

Need forBetter career support for entry into specialised employment opportunities.

More information on career pathways.

‘Work place’ training for young people with autism.

More information about legislation, funding opportunities.

Lower expectations from families (practitioner response.


Transition SurveyAdditional comments.Key themes include:No comprehensive services directory.Too much focus on theoretically positive outcomes instead of destinations.Lack of shared understanding.Lack of clear transition strategy or ASD specific awareness.Problems persuading agencies to commit to funding packages.Crisis intervention prioritised over prevention.


Transition Survey

Across the life spanPuberty.Being single to being in a relationship. Socialising with new peers.Bridging the retirement gap.

Learning to be independent.

Housing benefits and legislation.

Child to adult mental health services.


Transition Survey

What happens next?Targeted information gathering. Focused learning events providing information re:

projects, legislation and practical advice. Feedback to the Scottish Government.Consultation with Transition networks. Information re: ‘life transitions’

(puberty/marriage).Consultation with autism networks (An Ordinary

Life)

Autism Network Scotland - Transition Forum friday 21.6.2013

Education

awareness of autism

autism spectrum

autism studies

employment transition

education transition

transition plans

schoolwork transition

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