‘Families need more support after an autism diagnosis’

Health & Social Care has been having to cope with increasing demand for its autism and ADHD diagnostic pathways and a UK-based specialist company is now coming to the island to undertake additional assessments during a six-month period.

The move has been welcomed by Marc Winn and Lorna Higgins-Bare from the Autism and Me parent and carer community – a social group set up last year, which has about 300 parents and carers as members.

They welcomed recent advancements in the diagnosis of autism as a positive development for local families and the broader community.

‘This progress reflects a growing understanding and recognition of autism spectrum disorders, which is a step in the right direction,’ they said.

‘However, we must address the critical issue that many families face post-diagnosis. While identifying autism is crucial, the journey does not end there. Our community has noticed significant gaps in the post-diagnosis support and services provided by government and third-sector organisations. The current infrastructure does not meet the complex and varied needs of individuals with autism and their families.’

The National Autistic Society states that more than one in 100 people are on the autism spectrum. With 1% of the population, this would work out as more than 600 people in Guernsey.

Mr Winn and Ms Higgins-Bare said it was vital Guernsey conducted a comprehensive needs assessment.

‘This assessment should aim to identify these gaps explicitly and develop a clear, actionable plan to address them,’ they said.

‘It is only through understanding the specific needs of individuals with autism that we can begin to offer the tailored support that is desperately needed.’