From: Colin Smith [Colin.Smith@hopeforautism.org.uk]
Sent: 02 February 2011 14:09
To: DWP Consultation DLAReform
Subject: Hope for Autism

Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

Dear Sir,

 

Could you please acknowledge and accept this response by me on behalf of parents/carers of children with an autistic spectrum disorder. Their views were gathered through consultation at our Support Group Meetings.

 

This group would like the minister to consider those meeting criteria for higher rate mobility under Severe Mental Impairment resulting in social deficits and challenging behaviour with a need to be restrained be accounted for. Simply assuming; which often happens wrongly by decision makers, that because a person is physically unable to walk means they do not qualify. This group struggle every day socially and due to the nature of their disability cannot communicate often about what problems they encounter which results in aggressive behaviour.

 

We would further ask that any new assessment be conducted by professionals who have an understanding of the needs of those living with an autistic spectrum disorder and in particular the sensory perceptual differences of these individuals.

 

Kind Regards

 

 

 

Colin Smith

Autism Services Manager

Hope for Autism

145 Chapel Street

Airdrie ML6 6LH

01236-779191

 

Company Limited by Guarantee no: 335769

Scottish Charity no: 033312