How Social Care Can Help With Your Autism

For autistic adults, living an independent and fulfilling life is an achievable goal. However, some people may face challenges with aspects of daily living and require some level of support to manage these effectively. In England, Adult Social Care services, provided by local councils, exist to provide this support, helping people to live as safely and independently as possible.

This article offers a practical guide for autistic adults and their families on how to access and work with social care services. We will explain the process of getting a needs assessment, what this involves, the types of support that might be available, and how you can have control over the support you receive.

The First Step: Requesting a Needs Assessment

The gateway to receiving support from adult social care is through a "needs assessment". So, what is a needs assessment and how do you get one?

A needs assessment is a conversation between you and a person from your local council's adult social services department, such as a social worker. The aim is for them to understand your life, your strengths, what you find difficult, and what you want to achieve. Under the Care Act 2014, any person who appears to have care and support needs is entitled to an assessment, regardless of their financial situation. You can request one for yourself, or a carer or family member can request one on your behalf, by contacting your local council.

The Needs Assessment: What to Expect?

The assessment should be a collaborative process. The social worker will want to understand how your autism affects your ability to carry out a range of daily activities. The focus should always be on your well-being and what is important to you to live a good life.

The assessment will look at your ability to manage tasks in areas such as:

• Maintaining personal hygiene.

• Managing your nutrition.

• Keeping your home safe and clean.

• Maintaining family and other personal relationships.

• Accessing and engaging in work, training, education, or volunteering.

• Making use of necessary facilities or services in the local community.

You are entitled to have a friend, family member, or an independent advocate with you during the assessment to provide support and help you express your views.

How Eligibility for Support is Determined

After the assessment, the council will decide if you are eligible for support. This decision is not subjective; it is based on a national eligibility criteria set out in the Care Act 2014. To be eligible, a person must meet three conditions:

1. Your needs must arise from a physical or mental impairment or illness (autism is included here).

2. Because of your needs, you are unable to achieve two or more of the outcomes listed above (like maintaining personal hygiene or accessing the community).

3. As a consequence, there is, or is likely to be, a significant impact on your well-being.

If you meet these three conditions, the council has a legal duty to meet your eligible needs.

Types of Support Available from Social Care

What kind of help can social care actually provide? If you are found to be eligible, the council will work with you to create a care and support plan. This plan is person-centred, meaning it is built around you and what you want to achieve. The support provided can be very varied, depending on your specific needs. It might include:

• Support at Home

  Help with daily living tasks such as cooking, managing bills, or personal care.

• Community Access

  Support from a care worker to help you access the community, attend social groups or clubs, or get to appointments.

• Developing Skills

  Support to learn skills for independence, such as budgeting, travel training, or developing your social communication skills.

• Employment and Education

  Help to find and maintain employment, or to access college courses or training.

• Respite Care

  This provides a break for family members who act as unpaid carers.

Person-Centred Planning, Personal Budgets, and Direct Payments

Modern social care is built on the principle of giving people choice and control over their lives.

• Person-Centred Planning

  Your care and support plan must be created with you, not for you. It should focus on your strengths, your preferences, and your goals for the future.

• Personal Budgets

  The council will calculate how much money it would cost to meet your eligible needs. This amount is your personal budget.

• Direct Payments

  In many cases, you can ask to receive your personal budget as a "direct payment". This is money paid directly to you (or a person you nominate) so you can arrange and pay for your own support. This gives you maximum flexibility and control, for example, by allowing you to employ your own personal assistants.

Your Support, Your Way

Navigating the social care system can seem complex, but it is a process designed to provide personalised support that helps you to live the life you choose. The key is to be an active participant in the process.

By understanding the system, thinking about your needs and goals, and being clear about what you want, you can work in partnership with social care to get the right support in place for a safe, independent, and fulfilling life.