Considering moving to find day care for adult with autism and learning difficulties.

[SamCJ66]

I am mum and carer for my 21yr old with autism and learning difficulties (mental age of about 5) and I'm looking for some day care for them. They're quite happy at home, and while I'm 'coping', I'm aware that it's not good for them to be just with me 24/7 as I wont be here forever. I'm now considering moving to find a suitable day care placement for them, but don't know how to go about finding somewhere. Any suggestions?

I have tried to find placements through the local council since my child left school in 2020. We did have a social worker for 6 months, but she left and we 'fell off the books'. I tried to get in contact again and even tried to get help from county counsellors etc but apart from a quick 'hello' from the Adult Disability team in February, we've heard nothing. I don't really have family close by and to be honest, don't think that they would want the responsibility anyway.

Any suggestions would be welcomed.

[Joesmumlovesyoga]

HI Sam - maybe if you mention what county you are in, somebody may have some ideas? Might save you the move, if there are good ones you could specifically request in your area. Just a thought.

[SamCJ66 in reply to Joesmumlovesyoga]

Hi Joesmum, I'm in north Hampshire. A big problem is that I don't drive and the council aren't keen to offer transport.

[Bluey203]

Hi Sam, its easy to fall off the radar, unfortunately unless you 'make yourself heard' adult services are happy to save the money. Have you contacted adult services and asked for a 'needs assessment' for your son, and possibly you too as his carer.My son is 19 and severely autistic with severe learning disability, probably the mental age of a 5yr old too. He receives 16hrs per week, and goes out and about with carers walking, swimming etc. He doesnt go to a day centre because he finds too many voices stressful.

You should deffinately be receiving more support. You need to be very direct with social services, tell them all the support your son needs 24/7.

Good luck, hope it all works out ❤️

[TBDavid]

Agree with previous poster, you need to pester Adult Services for the Needs Assessment.

Your young person needs some kind of a life outside home, and the LA are there to 'provide support '.

It may not be wonderful, due to all the government cuts over the years- but there will be some things.

The other thing, do you have a Carers Centre or similar local autism charity?

They can support you and your young person in many ways (getting transport to activities) and will advocate for you with the council.

We all need support sometimes in this journey.