Transitioning from Living at Home and into Adulthood - Research Paper Example

?Introduction Transitioning from living at home and into adulthood is known to carry several complications in the general society. More complexities that occur are also defined with the transitions that occur with those who have autism. The complexities, expectations with lifestyle changes and the need to move into a different environment all create responses from those who are suffering from autism. With the changing environment is also the need to create a different approach to the needs for those who have autism, specifically because of the responses which may occur after leaving home and with the required transitions. Finding ways to assist those who are in need of an adjustment without causing the autism to continue to work in specific ways ensures that those suffering from autism can learn to make life transitions while being able to work toward a simplistic transition when leaving home. Aims and Objectives Leaving home for the first time is one which is considered a difficult transition from most. Those who suffer from autism are in need of having more alternatives when they transition from home while needing to get support for basic lifestyle needs. The aims of this research paper will be to determine what supportive services are available for those that suffer from autism as well as what requirements should be used to assist those who continue to suffer from the problem. The objectives include: defining services that are available for life transitions of those suffering from autism look at expectations for life transitions from those suffering from autism define the needs of those who are leaving home and who have autism define gaps that are in the current service programs because of autistic needs which aren’t defined looking at key issues that need services as well as whether these are available for those suffering from autism. The main objective will be to look at the several facets of what defines the problems of those who have autism, specifically through life skills that those with autism have. There will then be expectations that are defined to assist those with autism because of gaps that may be in the current services which are offered to those who are suffering from autism. Scope and structure of Report The report will define the different elements of autism as well as the transitions which are required to leave with home. The report will first define the services that are available to those with autism, both which are divided by voluntary and statutory services. There will then be an examination of the key issues of those who are suffering from autism and the complexities which occur with initial life transitions. These issues will then be evaluated from the perspective of which services are available as well as what gaps are currently residing with those who are suffering from autism. The service areas will be examined first with the focus on the UK, then will be combined with looking at the country of the United States to see what gaps and alternatives are available to those who are suffering from autism in various locations. These three examined areas will determine what help is available as well as what gaps are currently taking place with the life transitions that are a part of those who are suffering from autism. Current Position The complexities that are with autism lead to several difficulties with daily living and the basic needs which one has. The transition among adults which naturally occurs is often difficult to make. However, one that is suffering from autism goes through these same transitions and has specific problems that are linked directly to the autistic behaviors. Lifestyle changes are then more difficult to make. More important, it is noticed that these same changes can lead to risks with poor health, the inability to have basic care and the problems with learning independent living and specific needs which are associated within society. These complexities make the autistic individual have a more difficult transition in leaving home (Robertson, Emerson, Gregory, 2000: 469). The question which arises when looking at the specific condition is based on what services are available to assist those who have autism or any intellectual disability. While there may be controls when one is living at home, these are lost when one decides to move into a different location and transition outside of the home. The inadequacy of services and the inability for one who is just reaching a state of independence to find access to these particular resources becomes a primary concern, specifically because it can lead to patterns with the transition that make it difficult for one to live in a state of independence and with a normal lifestyle. At the same time, creating transitional patterns to assist those with autism is often not a focus of families who have an autistic child. The problem which arises is then based on the inability to provide the right alternatives before and after the transition for those who have autism. Policies The policies which are currently associated with autism are based on providing services and assistance while ensuring that there is a main way of creating changes with those who require assistance for independent living. The main policy that is provided by the UK comes from the government, specifically which is based on extra assistance with those who have autism. The approach begins with education, specifically which includes inclusive education so those who have autism are aware of social relationships and basic skills which are needed throughout life. There are also different pressures being placed on those who are involved with autism, specifically to offer more research and insight. Currently, autism is noted as an unknown with links to why the problem exists and how it may affect individuals. The gaps and the lack of evidence also lead to a lack of providing the right services. The policies can’t be created until there is a thorough understanding of what is needed for those who have autism. The policies and practice are then implemented through what is known, specifically which is based on finding ways to assist those with autism to be included in the mainstream public and to learn how to adjust to various situations (Wilkinson, Twist, 2010: 1). Even though the situations with autism are limited with the research available, it is also widely recognized that those suffering from autism are unable to easily move into employment, independent living and social relationships. Policies have also been implemented in this case, specifically which begins when one is in school and which provides them with alternatives to transition into independent living. This comes from the SEN code of practice which is based on school assistance and incorporation of those that are in the classroom. The code of practice then leads to a transition plan that is required by teachers and the family, specifically to assist with the movement into independent living. It is expected that this specific code of practice can help with the transitional phases while offering resources to those that suffer from autism, specifically because it moves through a 9 year plan to assist with the transition. The policies when going into independent living also lead into guidance for social services, independent living strategies and health and employment expectations that are being initialized within different areas to begin incorporating those with autism into the mainstream society (Talk About Autism, 2011: 1). Each of the components that are being defined is now being led by the Autism Act 2009. This states that local councils and NHS bodies are responsible for assisting those with autism while finding more information on the disease and what is occurring with those that are suffering from this. The guideline is based on the main problem of those who don’t have money to assist those with autistic problems, either in the household or after one has left home. Training, research and development, services for transitions and local leadership are the main call to action that is initialized for those needing assistance. The statutory guidance that has been provided from this is based on awareness training as well as finding clear pathways for diagnosis and treatments while offering services based on data and findings of how many may be suffering from autism in a specific area. The Autism Act and the policies which are pushing families, schools and health care centers are all based on providing alternatives that will assist with healthy living from those suffering from autism (National Autistic Society, 2011: 1). Services The different policies which are incorporated into autism have led to several services which work with the transitory stages of autism and which provide alternatives to help those who are suffering from the problem. The main approach to the services is to offer compatible alternatives both that assist with the family when their child is diagnosed with autism as well as finding support for various stages of life. Even though the research with autism is limited it is understood that the problem includes health and social care needs at different stages of life, specifically because of the formation of the disease and the way in which it impacts the basic functioning that a child has. Social and psychological needs are one of the known concepts which services are now based on. There is also an understanding that the individual who has autism needs assistance while families who are also battling with the child who has the disease need provisions in terms of emotional distress and the inability to assist those with the disease (Hare, et al, 2004: 425). There are several organizations which are based on providing voluntary care, specifically associated with various stages of autism. The concept of the autistic problem being based on a learning disability has been followed by volunteer services that are used to assist those who are in need of extra alternatives to learn how to live and to move through school settings. The support is used to offer teachers extra provisions with inclusiveness of autistic children while helping families with the education and services that their children need. These specific organizations are followed by organizations that offer transition type services. Semi – independent living, counseling and options to support those going through transitions through employment services, lifestyle needs and social care are all used. These are followed by research and development services as well as advocacy programs which are designated to spread the awareness that is linked to autism and the complexities that are a part of this disease, as well as the understanding of how many adults and children have this particular disease (Learning Disability Coalition, 2011: 1). The volunteer services that are available are followed with statutory services that are available with those who have autism. The main approach which is used with statutory services is to move deeper into the problem which is occurring while creating a different outcome with the main complexities of autism. Research and education, support of families with autism and other aspects are all created with the statutory services. The main approach which most of these services have is to forefront the issue with research, development and support. The volunteer services then work as a support system to ensure that the proper care and services are available for families and to help with those that need to transition out of autism. The concept which is used is based on providing a variety of services then consolidating what is needed from various volunteers to ensure that those who have autism are able to receive the necessary support (Keenan, 2007: 2). The statutory services that are available not only call on the assistance with volunteers, but also are able to offer more in terms of educational needs, lifestyle choices and basic health care that is a part of those who are suffering from autism. Various societies are available to move into the research and development of what is needed while providing various options to those who require the assisted living with autism. The services are then further divided by location as well as complete alternatives for those who are in need of help. Diagnosis and assessment, training and awareness, transitions, employment, supported living options, preventative services and social inclusion and specialist autism teams are the main approaches used. These are each considered statutory because of the staff which is required for complete assistance as well as the depth of knowledge and information which is provided to those who need support and direction with autism (Higgins, 2009: 2). The health care and social services that have been developed with this are defined as statutory not only because of the training and in – depth work which is required. There are also applications which are based on the Autism Act of 2009 which can be fulfilled by those who offer more than basic volunteer services. The ideology is to focus on the objectives from the policies, based on creating fulfilling and rewarding lives. It is noted that one of the main objectives is to change the way that health and social services look at autism as well as the problems which are strongly associated with the problem. It is also noted that there is the need to move into drastic improvements with the care and well – being of those who have autism. The only way in which this can be done with statutory services is to move into the deeper amounts of research and the concepts which are needed, specifically to assist those who offer the volunteer services and which are taking action with public health and social care. The statutory services become important specifically because of the use of the policies and the in – depth needs that are fulfilled for trying to conquer the several issues with autism (Department of Health, 2010: 14477). Key Issues While there are several organizations, both statutory and volunteer, that offer help, there are also key issues which have to be examined when looking at the adverse effects of autism. There are several basic areas which are a part of autism, as well as complexities which occur with those who are diagnosed with the disease. It is known that the problems begin to arise when one reaches adolescence and manifests more severely if it is not taken care of at a younger age. However, if the autistic problems aren’t able to go through a specific transition, there are difficulties in creating life transitions and moving into the development of skills. Understanding the key skills which are often not developed because of the lack of understanding about autism becomes a primary component with the diagnosis and treatment of autism, specifically during transition times (Billstedt, Gillberg, 2005: 6). The first problem which occurs with those living with autism is with the ideal of moving out and living independently. For one who has autism, are problems with the idea of living independently because of the lack of forming habits and the inability to care for the basic needs which are a part of the lifestyle. The social and behavioral problems at this level are the main concerns, specifically because these skills can’t be developed in children with autism. In a recent study (Howlin et al, 2004: 212), it was noted that the individual problems included the inability to create high levels of independence for living. There were few which were capable of living alone and most had no or few friends and couldn’t find permanent employment. It was noted that 12% had a very good outcome of living independently, 10% had a good outcome, 19% had a fair outcome, 46% had a poor outcome and 12% had a very poor outcome. This shows that the concept of living independently for those with autism is inclusive of over 58% who have difficulties with gaining a high level of independence (Howlin et al, 2004: 212). The problems which arise from living alone lead to difficulties with accessing benefits that are associated with the disease. It has been believed that if one lives alone and independently with autism, they are able to gain confidence and a sense of independence outside of the regular living situation. However, the benefits that one is able to receive are limited, not only by access but also by the monetary expectations that are a part of those who are living with autism. According to a recent study (Krauss et al, 2005: 111), there were difficulties with those living independently and with autism. It was found that those who stayed at home or didn’t live independently were able to have better alternatives because of the care. However, a lack of understanding and access to resources when living completely independently often led to complexities, problems and poor living habits. The consequences are based on the inability to find the right assistance as well as misunderstandings which come from the thought process of those living with autism, specifically which leads to a lack of assistance that can be provided. The result of this survey was noting that in house living or semi – independent living was required to build the life skills which were needed during this transitional time (Krauss, et al, 2005: 111). The problems which arise are based on the inability to develop basic life skills that are needed to live independently. Daily activities, such as shopping, going to a bank, caring for a home or apartment and other basic needs are difficult for those with autism to manage because of the way that the mind works with autism. There are also struggles with communication, socialization and the other functions which are required for those with autism. Each of these components becomes problematic specifically because those who begin to live independently don’t have the understanding of what basic functions and daily care needs. The life skills, without help and communicating to others, become difficult to manage. The ability to access benefits and find resources also becomes difficult, specifically because those with autism aren’t certain of what resources are needed or how to access these. The basic living that is done independently then results in defined problems because of the basic struggles that are incorporated into autism. Unless there is another individual who can take some responsibility, the difficulties with autism continue to reside and heighten while transitioning into independent living (Adreon, Durocher, 2007: 271). The inability to access basic living is followed by the problems with employment that occur with those who are transitioning into the independent living. Employment requires specific communication skills and ideals to be taken into consideration, specifically because of the work and job maintenance. However, even with earlier prevention systems of autism, this may become difficult for one with the disorder to maintain. Finding and keeping employment becomes difficult because of the social and communication problems as well as complexities of being able to work and maintain with a new job and career outside of the normal environment. It has been noted that an average of 46% of those with higher amounts of autism have difficulty in maintaining a regular job. This is important not only because of the problems with communication and maintenance which arise but also links back to services available. If one who is living independently can’t maintain or find employment, then access to services becomes even more difficult (Eaves, Ho, 2008: 739). Another aspect which is considered with those who have autism is based on the formation and maintenance of social relationships within society. Through a recent study (Orsmond et al, 2004: 245), it has been found that those with autism have better relationships socially and with activities when living at home. When the environment changes to independent living, those who are in the situation tend to have difficulties socially and with recreational activities. It is found that the change in environment makes it difficult for interaction skills to continue to develop. If the social skills and interactions aren’t continuously worked on, then those with autism may have difficulties with interaction. Other characteristics which define this include basic functioning, extremity of the impairment and internalizing behaviors that are required for the environment. If the interactions continue, then the autistic behaviors of anti – social concepts may not be implemented. However, if there are no interactions with this, then the autistic behaviors and lack of communication becomes a main component for those suffering from the symptom (Orsmond et al, 2004: 245). Services for Autism The different problems which arise with autism are the basis for services that are offered from those who need extra assistance. The service preferences are divided by age as well as the level of the disorder which is a part of one’s life. For example, when there is one that is suffering from autism as a child, than the focus is on basic lifestyle behaviors and assistance with school. If this carries into the older ages, then transitions to adulthood, semi – independent living and the ability to have services for basic care and needs, such as with employment, are offered to those that have the disease. Each of these provides a different set of options for those who need help while offering services that are appropriate to the individual and which provide consistent care to those who need help with the autism they are suffering from. On average, the services that are available are too divided, which causes families and those suffering from autism to have continuous struggles. According to the National Audit Office, up to 80% of families who have an autistic child state that they need additional help to assist with basic lifestyle needs and education. However, there isn’t enough research or opportunity with resources to provide what is needed to those who have the disease. To change this, a health and well – being board has been implemented through the largest autistic agency of the National Autistic Society. This works in conjunction with volunteer organizations to try to change the amount of assistance which is available. Specialist teams have also been initialized to assist with different needs and to provide assistance at various levels for autism with a focus on special health needs, options for independent living, educational provisions and employment that one is required to have after graduating from high school. The continuous amount of information which is now being provided in the UK, as well as the initiatives to create responses that are more timely are the basis of this, specifically because of those who are recognizing that there isn’t enough resources, assistance or care to those who have autism (Parliament, 2011: 1). The problem with offering services and the immediate calls which are now being pushed into both policies and the need for assistance is now leading to new models that are designated by the services which are offered. For instance, the concept of “Supporting People with Autism Through Adulthood” has recently released a model which is to be followed with those who are suffering from autism. The main approach is based on exploring how more values and services can be provided to those who have autism and which need help not only in education, but also in other aspects of life. Financial costs, expectations with services and the ability to provide more support is now the main question, specifically because it has been found that those who have autism require extra assistance at various stages of life. The services that are being asked to be included in this are options divided by those who have an MDT, or multi – disciplinary team, individuals who have high – functioning autism and those who need extra employment support. This also is divided by those who are employed and unemployed. The model then divides into hospital care, private household, supported accommodations and residential care provided for each level of autism. While this model is one which is now being proposed, it hasn’t been implemented through any type of service and is still being researched to discover the possibility of whether it will work and what the benefits might be (Clark et al, 2010: 1). Comparisons Between Countries The different initiatives which are now being taken in the UK also compare to those that are available in other countries. Another place which is continuing to develop support for autism is in the United States. The concept of autism in the United States is one of the areas which have now been defined as increasing dramatically, not only from the noticed epidemic in the US, but also in the UK. Both are known to recognize the problem as being the same, which is now inclusive of one out of every 10 adults which are recognized as having autism. It has also been noticed that the diagnosis in both countries in the same as well as the abilities to cope with autism, specifically with specialized education, semi – independent housing and an understanding that the epidemic is not understood. The problems and lack of information in both areas is creating an understanding that there needs to be a shift in the epidemic, specifically which is noted as being led through the studies in the UK (Joelving, 2011: 1). Even though it is recognized that the problem is rising in both countries, the epidemic have led to different interpretations and expectations in both areas. The UK is known to diagnose autism in an alternative manner from the UK. The criteria and definition of autism varies between both countries. It is also noted that volunteer services for autism in the US is not as widely available and the statutory services that are provided are expensive, leading to a lack of support and care with those who have autism. The initiatives and differences in the UK come from the Autism Act of 2009 as well as the advocacy programs which are continuing to define the main components of autism. It is known that the amount of political recognition is one which is guiding the services and which is creating different prognosis results among those with autism. This shows that there is little understanding of what autism is as well as what is required in terms of services for those who have the disease (National Autistic Society, 2011: 1) Recommendations The different complexities of autism are one which shows that there are several difficulties in understanding the symptoms and syndrome as well as a lack of research and education about the problem. It is also noted that there are difficulties in identifying what assistance is needed at various stages of life, with services that are scattered and leading up to 80% of those who are from an autistic family having difficulty in being able to recover from the symptom in both earlier and later stages of life. The several problems show that the services, new policies and the exploration of the disease need to take a different direction. The complexities that occur with autism are known to affect every facet of life. However, there is little to no understanding of how to approach this and what to look into with the changes and problems which are arising. More important, the advocacy and volunteer groups are limited to specific services that are based on the research used. The UK structure is one which uses the statutory services first then uses the volunteer services to support this. This means that the amount of money which one has is also able to determine the amount of assistance which is received. This doesn’t solve the problem of autism, but instead provides limited resources to those that are involved in a specific group that is trying to combat against autism. To change this structure, there needs to be a focus on implementing more than basic policies with the new Autism Act of 2009. While this currently is able to provide specific resources for those with autism, as well as advocacy to intertwine services, there isn’t the ability to meet the needs of those who have autism. Finding exactly what is needed for living, looking at the various components which are a part of the symptoms and trying to find solutions to the problem can all help with the different problems which are arising with autism. By doing this, there will be more capabilities with resolving the problem and with finding new solutions that allow the services to be made available to everyone who needs to make life transitions into adulthood and which can’t do this because of the limited resources and options for services. Reflective Log There were two types of resources that I looked at with this specific project. The first was inclusive of journals and books which had scientific information and relevant concepts that were a part of autism and which defined the problem from a social and scientific point of view. The second was inclusive of advocacy programs, including those that were linked to the government and social services and statutory programs that are now combating against autism. These two components were used specifically because they are able to provide different understandings of the social and scientific viewpoint of autism as well as what the problems are with the current situation. There was also an understanding from these different resources on the current condition of autism from the perspective of those now looking at the difficulties. The resources which were stronger were based on the journals that had scientific information first. This was combined with the resources that were based on the political policies that were taking place while showing links and resources to work that was being done. There were some resources that were looked into which provided independent services for those with autism. I found that these were the weakest links, specifically because it didn’t show the complications of autism and was often limited to one or two ideals of how to fix autism without providing relevant information to what was occurring with the problems in autism, either politically, scientifically or with the current research provided. These were all taken into account, specifically to provide different insight into the problem at hand. I think that the references used are important to note when looking at the problems with autism and what needs to be done. If one is suffering from autism, then the first idea is to find services that can help. This is often limited by monetary sources and a lack of understanding about the issues and conditions of autism. However, if one tries to find a volunteer service, then they are also looking at the weakest links that are associated with autism. To find a better component, there is the need to look at the journals, politics, advocacy and the statutory services available. However, this creates more limitations because it doesn’t link to well rounded solutions or the complete understanding of what is required to combat against autism, specifically when one is in a transitional stage. This is relevant to understanding the conditions of autism and how this links to social, political and scientific information that is now within society. References Adreon, Diane, Jennifer Durocher. (2007). “Evaluating the College Transition Needs of Individuals with High – Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders.” Intervention in School and Clinic 42 (5). Autism Action. (2011). Autism Action UK. Retrieved from: www.autismactionuk.uk. Billstedt, E, C Gillberg. (2005). “Autism After Adolescence: Population Based 13 – 22 year Follow – Up Study of 120 Individuals with Autism Diagnosed in Childhood.” Autism and Developmental Disorders 15 (4). 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