Identity Matters
CAPABILITIES STATEMENT
The British Association of Social Workers have published a Capabilities Statement for Social Work with Autistic Adults. They say:
- The foundational values of social work with autistic adults are recognising, appreciating, and promoting the values of neurodiversity. Within the community of autistic people, the label or category ‘autism’ is rejected by some and accepted by others. Social workers should know how people describe themselves and their self-identity.
- The purpose of social work is supporting autistic adults to identify their needs and communicate how autism distinctly impacts on their everyday lives. Social workers should understand the impairments that people can experience from the impact of autism and work with them to address them.
- Social workers should underpin their work with principles of personalisation. This means acknowledging and welcoming the abilities and creativity of autistic adults, whilst understanding how autism impacts on them individually, and within their social and online networks.
The full Statement, including an easy-read version is available.
- Reasonable Adjustments – learn about what reasonable adjustments are and review some examples Reasonable Adjustments - Centre for ADHD and Autism Support
- Supporting people with life changes – a video that gives information and advice about how to support people through significant changes in their lives. 3 pillars of life on Vimeo. To accompany the video, a guide on supporting people with change is available from the National Autistic Society website..
- Tips for Transitions – though aimed at mental health professionals, this short guide gives a range of helpful tips for any professionals supporting young autistic people with transitions. Transition tips - a guide for mental health professionals (autism.org.uk)
TOOLKIT OF RESOURCES
In Camden, we have developed a short Communication Passport for autistic adults. They can complete it themselves or you can support them to fill it in.
Please complete this and upload it to Mosaic at the start of working with an autistic adult. Any questions please email [email protected]
Alongside the Statement, BASW have also produced a Toolkit of resources:
- Introduction and background to the Tookit
- Video introduction by an autistic adult
- An information sheet for autistic adults about the role of the social worker
- Top tips for social workers from autistic adults
- Building and maintaining relationships with autistic adults
- A feedback tool for autistic adults and their families
- A reflective tool for social workers in 1:1 and group/peer discussions
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Reasonable Adjustments – learn about what reasonable adjustments are and review some examples Reasonable Adjustments - Centre for ADHD and Autism Support
Tips for Transitions – though aimed at mental health professionals, this short guide gives a range of helpful tips for any professionals supporting young autistic people with transitions. Transition tips - a guide for mental health professionals (autism.org.uk)
Carrying out a Care Assessment, guide produced by Autism Alliance
Toolkit for health and social care workers, produced by SAAIL (Supporting Autistic Adults' Intimate Lives)
Toolkit and autism report, produced by Homeless Link*** please note: this is old and does not use identity first language
National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi) have produced a webinar and report on Supporting autistic people flourishing at home and beyond: Considering and meeting the sensory needs of autistic people in housing.
The report is very detailed but useful reading. At the end of the report is an autism environments checklist to support a practical application of the information shared.
National Autistic Society have produced information and guidance for autistic adults, carers, and professionals about how to make each stage of the Criminal Justice System experience better for autistic people and their carers.