A future for Autism in Wales?

Like many areas in the country, Wales suffers a dearth of specialist provision for ASD. Although Autism and other related conditions are receiving a much higher profile than a few years ago particularly in the media, they are not receiving an equivalent rise in funding according to parents and autism charities. The Welsh Assembly Government recently launched its long awaited consultation document on autism, “Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Strategy Action Plan for Wales”, claiming to be the first governing body of any kind in the world to place such an emphasis on ASD. It aims it says to “improve the quality of life for people of all ages who are affected by ASD, including the parents, families and carers” and an additional £1.7m has been earmarked for local authorities in the 2007/08 budget to support the provision of specialist services. But this has not received the universal acclaim that perhaps the main protaganists Dr Brian Gibbons (Minister for Health & Social Services) and Jane Davidson (Minister for Education and Life Learning) at the Welsh Assembly might have hoped for. Many parents complain that it remains vague as to the real difference this money will make and the document refuses to commit to any real investment in additional provision for ASD suffers, particularly young people who continue to be placed out of county if they can get any additional funding at all for further education beyond 16 years.

The out of county placements particularly for young people remain a big issue for families affected by ASD. One provision in South Wales in particular is trying to change that. Beechwood is a residential college with a broad spectrum of facilities for students aged 16 to 25. The students are able to access courses, both on the campus and through other local colleges, and follow highly structured, individual daily schedules which enable them to increase their independent living skills via taught sessions and community based activities. It is to date the only one of its kind in Wales. Helen Dando, its Principal admits that “the complex funding arrangements for placements often means parents are frustrated with local funding bodies”. The college has a strong ethos of returning Welsh students to Wales.

Profile of an ASD student
One young man lucky enough to get into Beechwood College is Alex. Alex is 20 years old and began studying and living at the college in April 2005. His parents hoped that the college would provide him with the daily structure of routine and educational stimuli that he needed, tailored to his specific learning needs.

Alex’s Dad said: “We had found out about many placements that didn’t really meet Alex’s requirements. Since being at the college he has become far more confident at making choices for himself and at coping with unpredictable things."

Confidence and self esteem tend to be some of the biggest issues for young ASD suffers to overcome as well as mixing with others. Alex feels that he has further developed many of those skills that will enable him to live a more independent lifestyle.

Alex said: “I really like my bedroom. The other students in the college are my friends and my favourite lessons are swimming and music. Every week I go to Starbucks to buy cake and a drink with the staff. That’s my favourite trip of the week.”

As part of Alex’s ASDAN accreditation he works with staff to plan and prepare community based trips. Alex has been working on the development of his decision making and co-operation skills. This activity involves him working as part of a small group of students to plan and organize leisure activities. He also thoroughly enjoys music including learning about it, playing instruments and listening to it. He is doing particularly well in this area and has produced projects about Tom Waits and drumming. He has also taken part in a variety of interactive whiteboard activities in music, used a wide variety of instruments, and has been involved in singing, rhythm and keyboard sessions.

Alex describes how the college has improved his life. “The staff have helped me to cope with changes much better than I could before. I feel much more grown up now. My ambition is to live in a shared house one day with people who like the same things as me.”

Joining forces to promote ASD
For this young man Beechwood College has provided opportunities to achieve some of his personal goals, whilst being supported to overcome areas of difficulty that in the past may have been overlooked. But there are many individuals and families who don’t have this opportunity. In an attempt to lobby for even greater awareness and funding for Autism and to provide greater information and support to families, Autism Cymru has joined forces recently with Autism Northern Ireland and the Scottish Society for Autism to form the 'Celtic Nations Autism Partnership'. There can be no doubt that Autism has become a truly major issue in today’s society and the joining together of these major charities will help boost the effectiveness of the support they can give to the autism community and to lobby for changes to government policy.