I recently came across a powerful story about a young woman - Joanne - who has autism. She lived independently in a supported living flat, but began having major mental health episodes when a new tenant moved in upstairs and played loud music around the clock. The situation deteriorated and led to police visits, threats of suicide and finally, psychiatric treatment in hospital. It was there Joanne was asked by the psychiatrist "what she dreamed of" to which she replied "to live somewhere quiet".
Joanne was eventually discharged, but had to go back to her flat with her noisy neighbour upstairs, and the cycle began again. Finally, with the help of her friend and advocate Sally, Joanne was able to arrange respite at a local Buddhist monastery. Within two weeks, her mental health episodes stopped, as did the self-harming. She was welcomed by the nuns, and decided she wanted to stay. Together, they all worked out a way to make this happen; including a way to pay Joanne's housing benefits directly to the monastery. Joanne thrived in her new living environment and was eventually ordained as a Buddhist nun.
This came about because Sally asked Joanne what was working and not working in her life. This is a simple technique used in person-centred planning and an important step in developing personalised support. Through asking the right questions and listening closely, Sally found Joanne needed a calm, quiet and supportive environment to live. The process allowed for both women to think creatively about how this could be achieved.
The Department of Health is due to publish its Autism Strategy soon. The report of the consultation responses published in January called for adults with an autistic spectrum condition to get the right kind of support, tailored to their specific needs. It suggested person-centred plans could deliver this because they recognise an individual's aspirations and the steps needed to meet those aspirations.
Working in partnership with the National Autistic Society, we recently published a booklet that pulls together all the different person-centred resources that can be used to support people with autism. Simple tools like asking "what's working and not working" and undertaking person-centred reviews are easy and practical steps towards personalising services that help everyone - including adults with autism - live their lives in the way they want to.
Download the Person-Centred Thinking for People who have Autism minibook
Helen Sanderson is the Department of Health's expert adviser on person-centred approaches.