Guineapigged Report post Posted December 9, 2011 I was recently told I may have Asperger's and am awaiting an assessment (Dr said he would refer me to Sheffield?) In light of this I am going to be discharged from the CMHT within the next 6 months. This means I will no longer have access to services such as respite. I asked my keyworker if there was another service they would pass me onto but he didn't know. It doesn't seem likely. Are there any official services for Asperger's or do they basically just leave you to it? I'm feeling a bit abandoned and bewildered. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lynden Report post Posted December 9, 2011 I think it depends on where you live. The borough I work in does have an adult aspergers support group but I'm aware that not many areas do. Lynne Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CEJesson Report post Posted December 11, 2011 Hello, You mentioned Sheffield as a location. I am very confident that there are social groups for individuals with autism within the city. You could also try arranging an appointment with the Autism Centre at Sheffield Hallam University who may be able to pinpoint you in the right direction. Hope this helps. Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gutcruncher Report post Posted December 13, 2011 I don't think there's much help at all for adults. NAS have always told me to go away as I 1.) don't have social services funding (direct payments etc) 2.) can't afford their services out of pocket and 3.) live nowhere near there geographical areas. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trekster Report post Posted December 15, 2011 CMHT wont see me 'because I'm aspergers' even though I clearly have other mental health problems. Post diagnostic support depends on your area but i find the social groups i attend very valuable. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gutcruncher Report post Posted December 16, 2011 I did see the local CMHT but they didn't want to see me for more than an initial meeting because they said, we don't know about Aspergers, we don't know if it actually exists as it's a new condition, and you are learning disabled rather than mental illness. Even saw the CMHT psychiatrist he said "you're on your own" (literally in those words), wouldn't see me for follow ups. Hejust suggested working for my parents which isn;t an option. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
darkshine Report post Posted December 16, 2011 Similar problem for me too - the MHT will see me but say they cannot help if a problem is cuz of AS it seems very odd, when there is children's services available to enable children in my area but not for adults. The only thing they suggest, is to join a group for adults with AS....... It makes no difference at all that I can't cope in a group environment and every group is too far away anyway Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RainbowsButterflies Report post Posted December 16, 2011 Yep - same here Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
darkshine Report post Posted December 16, 2011 It just seems so stupid - there's adults who have potential, but because they are adults, there's nothing for them - it just doesn't make sense... I've even looked up how to help kids, in the hope that I can use ideas to help myself - can't really think how to transfer it across - as in tailor things for adult needs and understandings etc... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gutcruncher Report post Posted December 17, 2011 Similar problem for me too - the MHT will see me but say they cannot help if a problem is cuz of AS it seems very odd, when there is children's services available to enable children in my area but not for adults. The only thing they suggest, is to join a group for adults with AS....... It makes no difference at all that I can't cope in a group environment and every group is too far away anyway I got suggested going to a "social group" too but that is not going to help me. The help I need is in issues like employment, pressingly so in employment, and sitting in with people who can't hold a social conversation won't help that. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
darkshine Report post Posted December 17, 2011 I got suggested going to a "social group" too but that is not going to help me. The help I need is in issues like employment, pressingly so in employment, and sitting in with people who can't hold a social conversation won't help that. Yes, that's exactly why the group suggestion doesn't make any sense - when there's someone like you who wants to work - yet there's nothing in place to help you succeed - its a waste - especially when that's what you want - to work and succeed - it just beggars belief. I also don't see the point in going to a group - but after thinking about it I can see one potential thing that would be worth finding out - maybe some people there have had similar problems and solved them - in which case they could tell you how (in terms of getting employment)... Or maybe the people who run the group have connections that could help you get started. I'm not a fan of group meetings myself - but sometimes there can be things you can get out of it on other levels than just a social one? And if they are all unemployed - you turn round and walk out the door knowing at least you gave it a shot If I'm honest, I will be considering this when the time comes to finding employment - now I've thought of it Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RainbowsButterflies Report post Posted December 17, 2011 I've been to a couple of different social groups. One I didn't really gel with, but there were a lot of parents of adults and adults who had a lot more difficulties socially than me. The other group is ace - it's an all women's group that meets once a fortnight. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gutcruncher Report post Posted December 18, 2011 The trouble with mixing with other "Aspies" is that it seems impossible for them to communicate, they talk about private interests and themselves and little else. Try talking about employment situations and how to improve them, they can't comprehend that not everyone's life situations are completely identical, and that what they did (parents supplying employment, etc) you may not be able to. The lack of even the most basic levels of empathy in other "Aspies" I found shocking. I honestly have never felt more alienated in my life meeting up with fellow "Aspies". It seems worse to me than sitting home alone with no one there to talk to, which I what I do anyway. To think there are people with the same problem as you, but can't; communicate with you, and can be very nasty and unpleasant, that is terrifying to experience and contemplate. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
darkshine Report post Posted December 19, 2011 Can they help people get a job? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RainbowsButterflies Report post Posted December 19, 2011 Um - dunno, I'm not well enough to work right now so I haven't asked! Some people in our group work though... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AdamJ Report post Posted December 19, 2011 For those having problems finding work, you could try looking at the Remploy website. I have no personal experience of them but they specialise in placing 'disabled' people into work. As far as I know, they do include AS/ASD within their remit. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gutcruncher Report post Posted December 19, 2011 For those having problems finding work, you could try looking at the Remploy website. I have no personal experience of them but they specialise in placing 'disabled' people into work. As far as I know, they do include AS/ASD within their remit. Remploy farm people for exploitative 'workfare' placements. They are an awful organisation, they have no interest in getting you into mainstream employment than pays the minimum wage. Worse, they have NO understanding of AS/ASD, or what AS/ASD causes in terms of limitations in the workplace, for example think retail jobs in a busy environment are suitable. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
darkshine Report post Posted December 19, 2011 I'm thinking about it for a little further down the line - have made a note of the website though - have to tackle a few issues first Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leeds_demon Report post Posted December 19, 2011 As far as employment is concerned, if you want to go down the self-employment route, the NAS Prospects Service is worse than useless - they just want to get Aspies, who use their service, into any job, no matter how menial. As for support for adult Aspies, ask your council what they are doing, re: the Autism Strategy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shas Report post Posted January 9, 2012 my son of 26yrs,he has aspergers, was diagnosed age 24, now lives independantly with support by a care support worker three times aday, this is funded by direct payment from a care assessment from socail services. We requested this assessment and we were not offered any help until he wanted to live on his own, then socail services were great and his social housing landlord, we also appealed is ESA and he is in the support group now. a lot of hard work and tears but worth it. Being his mum, who has undiagnosed aspergers help as my tenacity would not let me drop the pressure to the servises. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shas Report post Posted January 9, 2012 I work from home for a charity,as a Helpline & Advocacy officer by phone letter and email. its meets my needs as a person with aspergers, who finds people difficult and the whole office work experience, I am 52 yrs old and have been in this job 3yrs. The best job ever. I go to our head office every couple of months for the day, with an understanding boss, who also works from home in my city. I manage that few hours and that is all, always exhausted when i get home but releaved. A lot of charities have home workers and others should consider looking at charity now, third sector working and their local charities. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
