Support Worker for Autistic Adult

brilliantj

Hello everyone.  I would like to know of your experiences and contacts if you have any, for funding for a support worker for my 21 years old autistic son.  He hasn't been out of the house for nearly two years.  He was at a special school who took him out regularly (for a coffee, walk etc). Since leaving school at 19 he's fallen through the cracks and doesn't go anywhere. He won't go with 'mum' and there is no-one else who understands him.  I spoke to adult social care who said he wouldn't qualify for a support worker and it's up to me to find and fund one.  They said, if he doesn't need help at home and he's not in assisted living then he wouldn't qualify for any help.  He's not in education so his EHCP, I guess has now lapsed.  They said he can wash, get a drink etc. (that is if you count the four hours to get him into a shower - that is!) and they could not guarantee sending the same person (which he would not cope with at all).  I've checked and we would need about 4-6 hours per week and it is in excess of 20.00 per hour.  That is income that I could not find and was wondering if all local authorities are the same?  I am in Southampton.  I look after my elderly mother in the same house and he definitely needs a break and a new face to help him back into society.  Any thoughts anyone?  Thank you for reading the post.

MarkM88

Have you actually specifically requested a needs assessment and had one carried out?

brilliantj

I did mention it but they said because he manages at home they didn’t think he needed one. I was quite surprised at that because he is actually quite severe but the can he get a drink, shower etc ticks the box (even though it’s a question of degree and level of support he needs from me, they were not interested. What do you advise? 

janer1967

Hi 

I would look for community befriending groups or charities 

It could start with someone just visiting building up a rapport then taking him out eventually 

Has your gp any suggestions 

MarkM88

He is legally entitled to a needs assessment. Refer him again and insist he has one. Failing that, if they say no, follow the local authorities complaints procedure.