Autism Spectrum Conditions: access to support in Bradford and District
Download (PDF 1.14 MB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Bradford wanted to understand the experiences of people with autism spectrum disorder and their families in relation to getting support. They spoke to 21 people.
This report is based on conversations with, and stories from 21 people with lived experience of ASC, their families and carers.
People struggle to find out information about the pathway for diagnosis, the support available, and about their condition. While increased resources have been made available for diagnosis, demand still far outstrips capacity, as the diagnosis service for adults, Bradford and Airedale Neurodevelopment Service (BANDS), remains closed to new referrals.
To access a diagnosis now people either have to make an Independent Funding Request through their GP for diagnostic assessment out of area, pay for private assessment which many cannot afford. Otherwise they have to wait for BANDS to reopen.
Specialist support for autism is vital to people’s wellbeing, helping them socialise, learn skills, stay in education and employment, and manage their mental health. Despite this, people said that they struggle to access the support they need. Without a diagnosis, people are unable to access services.
There is limited support available for people even with a diagnosis, meaning people are forced to use support that is not designed for autistic people, or is insufficient to meet their needs. The support that is offered can be short-term or inconsistent, and people can find the help they are getting is reduced after a while.
There is a lack of understanding about ASC among GPs and other professionals including dentists, those working in schools, and social workers, which can make it difficult for people to access diagnosis and support, but can also leave them shut out of other support such as primary care. Because services do not understand their communication needs, autistic people often struggle to understand the information provided to them, or to engage effectively with healthcare professionals.
The cumulative impact of these issues can have a devastating effect on the mental health of autistic people and their families. The effect of these issues is severe, both for those on the autistic spectrum and their families and carers. The impact on mental health was stark; so too the impact on people’s education, their life chances, and their ability to live a life that they find fulfilling.
The report contains 8 recommendations.