Overall Aim of the Project
To provide low level support to high functioning adults with Autism/Asperger Syndrome in East Lancashire.
To provide Autism Awareness training for LCfT Mental Health staff and professionals in East Lancashire.
To provide Support groups and Drop in sessions for adults with High Functioning Autism/Asperger Syndrome in East Lancashire.
What will the Project Provide?
Pre & Post Diagnosis Support: The project will provide information and advice for adults before and after diagnosis.
Adult Support Group: This will be held, with the help of adult support workers, every 2 weeks on a Tuesday evening from 5.30 – 8.00pm for adults with High Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome.
Drop-In Sessions: These will provide information, advice and support at the Autism Resource Centre every week on a Thursday afternoon for adults with High Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome.
Low Level Support: The Project will provide more individual support to adults, with issues such as day to day living and dealing with problems they face and how to overcome them. Low level support works very well with adults with Asperger Syndrome and often prevents more serious mental health issues or intervention arising. The manager will work with Clients who have or are seeking a diagnosis of high functioning Autism or Asperger Syndrome.
NB. What is the definition of Low level support? For the purpose of this project this means practical support (advice on money skills, budgeting, life skills, paying bills, how to deal with phone calls, strangers etc.), emotional support (adults will be able to meet/call the member of staff for support and to talk about issues that are causing stresses and anxiety).
How do I access the Adult Project at Action for ASD?
Anyone seeking a diagnosis or that has a diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome and is aged 18+ years can self-refer to the project.
Please contact the Adult Services Manager on 01282 415455 or adults@actionasd.org.uk who will arrange to send out referral forms and will arrange a meeting with you.
After referral forms have been received then you will be invited to come and meet with the Adult Services Manager, who will give you more information about the project and give you dates of upcoming groups and events.
We look forward to hearing from you!
How can this project help professionals/organisations working with people with High Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome?
The Adult Services Manager will also:
Work and liaise with professionals/practitioners within East Lancashire PCT who are working with adults with Asperger Syndrome/High Functioning Autism to provide specialist advice and information.
Work with the PCT and other statutory orgs. to improve the pathways, diagnosis and experience of adults with Asperger Syndrome following guidance from NICE and Adult Autism Strategy.
Training -Provide awareness raising training to LCfT Mental Health staff to improve awareness of the condition and to provide specialist support to professionals when working with this client group. As part of the project we will be providing training events to East Lancashire Mental Health Teams in basic Autism Awareness followed by a more in-depth look at how professionals can work and communicate with clients.