The Autism Strategy Delivery Plan is launched

“Autism is sometimes described as a ‘hidden disability’, not only because it has no physical signs, but also because adults with Autism are some of the most excluded, and least visible, people in the UK”. Rt Hon Andy Burnham, Secretary of State for Health.

Following on from the Autism Act passed in 2009, the government has just published "Rewarding and fulfilling lives: The strategy for adults with autism in England (2010).” The autism strategy and delivery plan sets out a clear vision for transforming the lives and creating positive outcomes for people with autism: to ensure that:

“All adults with autism are able to live fulfilling and rewarding lives within a society that accepts and understands them. They can get a diagnosis and access support if they need it, and they can depend on mainstream public services to treat them fairly as individuals, helping them to make the most of their talents.”

The Adult Autism Strategy focuses on 5 key priorities:

• Increasing awareness and understanding of autism among frontline professionals, especially social and healthcare professionals • Developing a clear, consistent pathway for diagnosis, followed by a personalised needs assessment if requested • Improving access for adults with autism to the range of services and support required to live independently within the community • Helping adults with autism to gain and retain employment • Enabling local partners to plan and develop appropriate person-centered services for adults with autism

The strategy highlights the unique challenges faced by adults with ASD in securing the support they need in order to live their lives to the fullest. These include barriers to education, employment and the wider community which bring economic disadvantage, social isolation, and mental and physical ill-health for adults with autism.

Brookdale Care has been focussed on meeting the challenging needs of adults with autism for over 15 years. In this time we have seen the struggles families and adults with autism have faced in order to gain the recognition and access to the support, clinical intervention and specialist services that they need and deserve.

At Brookdale Care we provide care services exclusively to adults with Autism. We understand that dedicated care makes a difference to our clients’ lives. Every resident has a personalised care, treatment and management plan, which is discussed, agreed and supported by our clinical and therapeutic team (MDT).

The MDT work holistically to help the resident to understand their condition, reduce anxieties and become more confident and self sufficient by developing independent living and social awareness skills. We have a long history of achieving successful outcomes for our residents, many have progressed through our care pathway to supported and independent living in the community.

We work closely with individuals, families and Commissioners to provide bespoke care and treatment plans that enable our clients to achieve positive outcomes including: • Ensuring that the client’s needs and wishes are at the centre of their care plan • Providing a safe, secure and nurturing environment to help clients to develop independent living and social skills • Ensuring our staff receive the highest level of training and support to give them the right skills to meet clients’ individual needs • Supporting clients to attend college and further their education • Enabling clients to develop the skills to gain and retain employment • Promoting a healthy physical and mental environment that contributes to clients’ independence, fulfilment and overall well-being

Brookdale Care’s ability to offer Continuing Care Pathways from hospital admission to supported living enables our clients to progress at a pace that suits them.

We are committed to making positive changes to the lives of people with ASC and we want to support all care professionals working with Adults with Autism and Asperger syndrome to achieve the best outcomes for the individual. If you would like us share our knowledge of commissioning ASC specific services please contact us on 0845 526 3737 or www.brookdalecare.co.uk