ADULTS with autism are being abandoned by the system, a new report claims.
Barely half of people over 18 year old diagnosed with the condition in Scotland receive support, says the National Autistic Society (NAS) Scotland.
The charity's report, I Exist, is based on the largest survey ever in Scotland of people with au
tism, and their families. It reveals a stark picture with thousands left isolated, ignored and dependent on their relatives.
Carol Evans, the national director of NAS Scotland, urged society to think differently about the condition.
She said: "'I Exist' is the message from adults with autism in Scotland, who want their needs understood and the barriers to support removed.
"The right help at the right time can have a profound effect – we are calling on the Scottish Government to think, act and transform lives."
The study found that only 56 per cent of adults with autism were currently receiving help and 52 per cent had not had their needs assessed since they were aged 18.
Autism is a lifelong developmental disorder which occurs on a spectrum of severity.
Last autumn, The Scotsman ran a series of articles highlighting the realities of life with the condition.
The NAS estimates that it affects about 50,000 people in Scotland – around one in 100 Scots. The condition is categorised by difficulties forming social relationships, communication problems and obsessional interests.
A greater range of support services, such as social-skills training and access to social groups, is needed, the charity claims.
The public health minister, Shona Robison, said the Scottish Government has funded small pilot schemes, but she acknowledged that those attending had been previously neglected. She said: "Most of those accessing services received no support in the past."
And she pledged that new guidance being created would help those in the health sector to support people with autism.
Ryan Mulvey, now 21, from Inverness, has had only sporadic support since he left school.
His father Peter, a former social worker, said: "He needs a lot of structure in his life. He can't get on a bus and go into town on his own. He has no concept of time, so he couldn't cope with a bus timetable.
"And he doesn't understand money – he could go into a café, give them a £20 note for a coffee and not wait for change."
Mr Mulvey has had to fight to obtain services since his son left school.
He said: "Everything just stopped overnight, and it took a while to get things up and running for him again as an adult."
'I DO NEED SUPPORT – BUT THERE IS NOTHING' ANDREW Gray, 28, a Special Olympics medal-winner, was not diagnosed with autism until he was 19, despite concerns from the age of two.
His father, Norman, said Andrew had exhibited obsessional behaviour linked with autism, such as repeatedly making silent phone calls, but his good communication skills did not fit in with the condition. Eventually, he was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome after lashing out at a policeman who surprised him – a classic sign.
However, diagnosis didn't lead to support. Mr Gray, 64, said: "Getting resources is difficult for him. He's not the priority, because he can feed and dress himself."
Despite his condition, Andrew achieved an HNC in hospitality and has worked at the Invercarse Hotel in Dundee for ten years.
He believes more support to help him socialise and live more independently would be invaluable. He said: "I do need help because, after 16 and leaving school, there is nothing at all."
The full article contains 601 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
