4 ms·

This is apparently written from the UK perspective. It's heartbreaking that anyone feels this way, but I don't have any experience with the UK's system to know

by Digory 7y ago

This is apparently written from the UK perspective. It's heartbreaking that anyone feels this way, but I don't have any experience with the UK's system to know if maybe they're missing something. In the US, my sense is that there are more formal educational resources for adults on the spectrum.[0] That's not to minimize the gaps in the system, but to say there are communities interested in helping adults with autism. [0] http://collegeautismspectrum.com/collegeprograms/ http://collegeautismspectrum.com/collegeprograms/

shaftway 7y ago
Note: This is what I've gleaned from my spouse, who runs an autism behavioral services company, so sorry if there are errors. There are always gaps in the system. No matter what your issue, and no matter what the system. That being said, once you're identified and diagnosed in the US, insurance is required to cover behavior analysis services until later than 18. But I'm not aware of any systemic services once you're in your late 20's, unless you're on the severe end of the spectrum. The goal of those services isn't to "fix" or "cure" anything, as there's not a known fix or cure. Their goal is to help you with your goals. Often these include social interactions with peers to try to help you lead a life integrated with the rest of society. Sometimes it's academic (the goal is usually to have the students included in a general-education class). But the real issue is the lack of available care. It's generally a very difficult field to work in, and there aren't enough providers by a long shot. The fact that insurance covers treatment helps, but it also creates a ton of demand. Clients who are younger than school-age can generally find services quickly and easily. But clients that attend school can see waiting lists for over a year in major metropolitan areas. And it's difficult to attract people to the field. This is where insurance is a double-edged sword. By accepting insurance you have a large number of potential clients, but the rates that insurance pays are so low that it's difficult to attract quality staff. Think on the order of $15 / hr for the primary employees that the client will interact with. And it's not an easy job. My spouse ended up with major surgery that was likely the result of a client who grabbed my spouse by the hair and threw my spouse to the ground. It's hard to attract quality staff who will take that kind of risk for that kind of pay. My spouse routinely hires high-school graduates and pays for training in the field, because it's the only way to fill those roles. Only to see the staff member leave after 3 months for another agency where they can get $2/hr more because they're already "experienced".

by Digory 7y ago

shaftway 7y ago

Note: This is what I've gleaned from my spouse, who runs an autism behavioral services company, so sorry if there are errors. There are always gaps in the system. No matter what your issue, and no matter what the system. That being said, once you're identified and diagnosed in the US, insurance is required to cover behavior analysis services until later than 18. But I'm not aware of any systemic services once you're in your late 20's, unless you're on the severe end of the spectrum. The goal of those services isn't to "fix" or "cure" anything, as there's not a known fix or cure. Their goal is to help you with your goals. Often these include social interactions with peers to try to help you lead a life integrated with the rest of society. Sometimes it's academic (the goal is usually to have the students included in a general-education class). But the real issue is the lack of available care. It's generally a very difficult field to work in, and there aren't enough providers by a long shot. The fact that insurance covers treatment helps, but it also creates a ton of demand. Clients who are younger than school-age can generally find services quickly and easily. But clients that attend school can see waiting lists for over a year in major metropolitan areas. And it's difficult to attract people to the field. This is where insurance is a double-edged sword. By accepting insurance you have a large number of potential clients, but the rates that insurance pays are so low that it's difficult to attract quality staff. Think on the order of $15 / hr for the primary employees that the client will interact with. And it's not an easy job. My spouse ended up with major surgery that was likely the result of a client who grabbed my spouse by the hair and threw my spouse to the ground. It's hard to attract quality staff who will take that kind of risk for that kind of pay. My spouse routinely hires high-school graduates and pays for training in the field, because it's the only way to fill those roles. Only to see the staff member leave after 3 months for another agency where they can get $2/hr more because they're already "experienced".