Person-Centred Care Planning for Autistic People

For decades, support for disabled people was often based on a one-size-fits-all model, where decisions were made for a person, not with them. Today, there is a much deeper understanding that effective and compassionate support must be built around the person themselves. This is the foundation of person-centred care planning, a transformative approach that is especially vital for autistic people.

So, what does it truly mean to be 'person-centred'? It means putting the autistic person at the very heart of all decisions about their life and support, ensuring their voice is not only heard but is the most important one in the room.

The Principles of a Person-Centred Approach

A person-centred approach is more than just a process; it is a philosophy built on core principles that promote a person's value and autonomy.

• Dignity and Respect

  The foundation of this approach is treating the autistic person with dignity and respect at all times. This involves working in partnership and recognising them as an equal whose views are paramount.

• Independence and Empowerment

  The goal is to empower a person to have as much control over their own day-to-day life as possible, fostering independence rather than creating reliance on others.

• Focusing on Strengths and Aspirations

  A person-centred plan looks beyond a diagnosis or a list of difficulties. It actively seeks to identify and build upon a person's unique strengths, talents, and skills. It asks not just "What support do you need?" but also "What are your goals and dreams for the future?"

• Working in Partnership

  This approach ensures that services, families, and carers work together with the autistic person to bring about the best outcomes. It involves sharing information and expertise to create a consistent and reliable support network.

What makes a Compassionate, Person-Centred Care Plan?

A person-centred plan-which may be called a Care and Support Plan, a Behavioural Support Plan, or an Individual Care Plan-is the document that brings these principles to life. It is a detailed guide for everyone involved in a person's life.

• Getting to Know the Person

  The plan must be based on a deep understanding of the person beyond their autism. This includes their personality, their values, their personal history, and what makes them feel happy and safe.

• Communication Profile

  A crucial element is outlining the person's preferred method of communication. This might be verbal speech, or it could involve Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) methods like sign language, a Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), or a voice-output device.

• Needs and Preferences

  The plan should detail the person's needs across all areas of life, including emotional, physical, social, and dietary needs. It must also clearly document their sensory profile-what sounds, lights, smells, or textures they find distressing and what sensory input helps them to feel calm.

• Meaningful Goals

  Goals should be developed collaboratively and reflect what is important to the person. A meaningful goal is personal and motivating, whether it is learning a new skill, joining a community group, or finding employment.

• Clear Support Strategies

  The plan must clearly state what support is needed to achieve the person's goals. This includes identifying potential triggers for anxiety or distress and outlining proactive strategies to avoid or manage them.

The Planning Process: A Collaborative Effort

Creating a person-centred plan is not a task to be completed by a professional in an office. It is a dynamic and collaborative process that must meaningfully involve the autistic person from start to finish.

This means using the person's preferred communication methods to ensure they can contribute their views, feelings, and preferences. Where appropriate, family, friends, and advocates play a vital role, sharing their knowledge of the person to help build a complete and accurate picture. This partnership ensures the final plan is a true reflection of the person it is designed to support.

Keeping the Plan Alive: The Importance of Reviews

A person-centred plan should not be a static document that sits in a file. To be effective, it must be a living tool that grows and adapts with the person.

• The Need for Regular Updates

  Life changes happen, and a person's needs, circumstances, and goals will evolve over time. That means it's essential that their care plan is reviewed and updated regularly to reflect any changes. This ensures that the support provided remains relevant and effective, and is still aligned with their needs and preferences.

• The Annual Person-Centred Review (PCR)

  In addition to informal updates, a more formal review should take place at least once a year. This is often called a Person-Centred Review (PCR). Its purpose is to bring everyone in the support network together-the person, their family, and key professionals-to reflect on the past year and plan for the next. The PCR is an opportunity to celebrate successes, identify what is not working well, and set new, meaningful goals.

A well-conducted review is an empowering and productive experience. Breaking the process down can help ensure it is successful.

Before the Meeting: Thorough Preparation

The person at the centre of the review should be prepared well in advance. This means helping them to think about what they want to discuss, what has gone well, and what they would like to change. Using their preferred communication method is vital; this might involve creating a visual agenda, writing down key points, or using pictures and symbols to help them express their views. They should also know who will be at the meeting and why.

Unexpected situations and a lack of predictability can cause significant anxiety and distress for autistic people. Thorough preparation reduces this anxiety by providing a clear and predictable structure. It gives the person a sense of control over the process and ensures they can participate meaningfully, rather than feeling overwhelmed on the day.

During the Meeting: A Respectful Conversation

A successful Person-Centred Review is more than just an update; it is a structured and respectful conversation. To ensure the meeting is both empowering and productive for an autistic person, a thoughtful process is key. Following these steps during the meeting helps create a positive, safe atmosphere that keeps the person's voice at the centre, resulting in a meaningful plan:

• The Person Always Leads!

  The meeting should be facilitated in a way that allows the person to be at the centre of the conversation. This means respecting their communication style, allowing plenty of time for them to process information and respond, and actively listening without interrupting. This embodies the core principle of a person-centred approach. It shows the person that they are valued and respected as an equal partner in their own life, which builds trust and confidence.

• Focus on Positives First

  A good review often begins by discussing what is working well. This includes celebrating achievements, acknowledging new skills that have been learned, and recognising what makes the person proud. Starting with strengths builds confidence and creates a positive, safe atmosphere for the meeting. It helps to counter a deficit-focused view by reminding everyone of the person's capabilities and successes.

• Address Challenges Constructively

  The meeting should be a safe space to talk about what is not working well or what is difficult. The focus should be on finding solutions together, not on assigning blame. A non-judgmental approach allows for an honest discussion of difficulties. This helps identify the root causes of challenges and allows the team to collaboratively find strategies that can help, rather than making the person feel criticised.

• Look to the Future with Aspiration

  The conversation should move towards the person's goals and what they want for their future. This is about their aspirations, not just their immediate needs. This ensures the plan is forward-looking and helps the person work towards fulfilling their potential. It provides a sense of purpose and direction that is meaningful to them.

• Create a Clear Action Plan

  The review must end with a clear, agreed-upon action plan. This plan should specify the actions to be taken, who is responsible for each one, and by when they will be completed. Autistic people often benefit from clear, direct, and unambiguous information. A vague plan creates uncertainty and anxiety. A specific, recorded action plan provides the structure and predictability needed for everyone to know what happens next.

After the Meeting: Sharing the Plan

Following the review, the updated care plan and action plan should be written up in a format that is accessible to the person (e.g. easy-read, visual summaries). This document should then be shared with everyone in the support network.

Sharing the updated plan ensures consistency of care and support across all settings. When everyone-from family to support workers to teachers-is working from the same page, it reduces confusion and helps the autistic person feel safe and secure, knowing what to expect from the people around them.

A Blueprint for a Fulfilling Life

Ultimately, person-centred care planning is about more than just managing a disability; it is a commitment to seeing and supporting the whole person. It moves away from a service-led approach to one that truly empowers people.

By focusing on strengths, respecting preferences, and ensuring the person's voice guides every step, a compassionate care plan becomes a blueprint for helping an autistic person to live a safe, independent, and meaningful life on their own terms.