23 April 2009
The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities has published a new guide for young people with autistic spectrum disorders and their carers. We Can Dream details how person centred planning and self-directed support can be used by people with autism when making the transition from school or college to adult life.
Person centred planning has been used successfully to enable many people with learning disabilities to take greater control of their lives and make their own decisions. Until now, however, there has been limited use of the approach by people with autistic spectrum disorders.
We Can Dream uses the real life experiences of four young people as they make their way in the world after leaving education. It shows how person centred planning tools such as circles of support can be adapted for people with autism, making allowances for their particular needs and preferences. For example:
- When discussing dreams or aspirations it is tempting to use metaphorical or abstract language. For people with an autistic spectrum disorder it is often important to use concrete terms and not to use too many abstract terms.
Melanie is one of the young people featured in We Can Dream. Since drawing up an action plan with a circle of support, Melanie has started living independently with other young people in her local area. She has also achieved other important goals, such as exercising regularly and going back to college. Her mother, Kelly Lee, said:
“It’s amazing what Melanie has achieved over the last few years. It just shows that with the right support, everyone can follow their dreams. It would be great if other young people with autistic spectrum disorder were given the same opportunity as Melanie to plan their futures.”
Jill Davies, Research Programme Manager for the Foundation said:
“We know that with the right support young people with autism can express creative ideas,
dreams and aspirations. If we can get it right for young people with autism at transition,
they will have a much greater chance of making their own meaningful lifestyle choices. This
booklet demonstrates how tailored support and person centred planning can bring about
positive change during the transition period.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
For more information please contact the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities press office on 020 7803 1130/28 or email sloveland@fpld.org.uk
The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities promotes the rights, quality of life and opportunities of people with learning disabilities and their families.
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