Sarah-Jane Nii-Adjei - ‘Mind Resource to support the wellbeing of people on the autistic spectrum’

We won't give up until everyone experiencing a

mental health problem gets both support and respect. This includes people who experience comorbidity and are from marginalised communities within society such as people with autism who are also affected by mental health issues

Equality Improvement Team

“Removing barriers to services”

Mental Wellbeing Toolkit

“To develop an approach to working with and supporting the mental wellbeing of people on the autistic spectrum. Share this with Local Minds and external organisations to ensure mental health services are accessible and responsive to their needs”

Why we invested in this• 70% at risk of developing mental health problem

• While gov’t have strategies in place, in reality services are either not up and running or inadequate

• Few mental health services providing specialist support for adults on the spectrum

How do we inform best practice

• Sharing our experiences• Getting feedback on what we do• More importantly consulting with people living with

autism• Few studies ask for their views

Did it work?

Huge amount of feedback gathered including employment issues, social skills, interaction with the police and social services, mental wellbeing, access and barriers to services and much more!

Focus on the strengths relating to my autism

Emotional Regulation ToolShow me how you’re feeling?

Happy

Hopeful Calm

Trust

AcceptanceAmazement

Suprise Distraction Boredom

Confusion Anger

Fear Rage Disgust

Loathing Grief Sad

In Control

Not in Control

Emotion How it makes me feel

What do I do as a result

How Often

Anger

Irritable, grumpy

Rocking forward and backwards.

everyday

Calm      Happy Energised,

excited

Talk to others occasionally

Sad

Courage

Fear

Shame

Guilt

Boredom

Part 2- Recognising my Triggers

• Step 1- Recognising my Triggers

• These are the things that trigger me

• Q: What does that suggest you want or need?

Step 2- Recognising early signs of my sensory overload

These helps me notice when my thoughts, feelings and behaviour start to change

A: This is how I think, behave and feel when situation becomes uncomfortable

Step 3- Tailored support

These are what I can do when I’m triggered

A: This is what others can help me to do to prevent things getting worse?

Part 3- Stay well Support Plan

These are the things that help me stay well

These are the kind of staff support I value and need

These are some new things I would like to try to stay well

Future plan & DevelopmentsBased on response received from wider public so far, there is a clear need for further training and to make more information available

• Awareness raising to influence Local service improvement • Training for other agencies (wider benefit locally) • Awareness raising targeting both professionals (e.g. GPs) and

individuals • Political level, to influence positive change

Act on these 3 levels by creating resources that are meaningful, practical and accessible

Tell us what you think

Mind.org.uk/Equality

Contact Sarah-Jane at

[email protected] or

[email protected]