Autism – the experience of children and young people in Croydon
Download (PDF 447.58 KB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Croydon conducted a series of ‘listening events’ in the Autumn of 2015. Three community groups, Inaspectrum, Parents in Partnership and the Burgess Autistic Trust, were engaged with to gather feedback from children, young people and their parents who use Croydon’s Autism services about issues and areas of improvement. Case studies were developed to gather a comprehensive understanding of their experiences.
Respondents reported varied feedback. A number of concerns with the Autism services were highlighted. Many reported that they felt that their GP had little awareness of autism and felt that the communication between them and their GP was not effective. The report found that assessments and diagnosis are challenging, with little consistency across practices. Parents of service users expressed their feelings of frustration in regard to accessing the service and the level of available support. Many families found the services and support options confusing due to the limited access to advice and information. The report also highlighted some areas of good practice. Some respondents emphasised that some front-line staff have been supportive and genuinely concerned for their health and wellbeing.
The report made a number of recommendations including refresher training for GPs on the pathways for autism services and wider training for communication and including children in decisions about them. Families should be well informed and provided with relevant information, with the consideration of developing a one stop shop for information in accessible formats. Telephone access to social workers and social care services requires improvement.
The report did not include a response from the service provider.