Calls for autism champion on the Island

The call is being made by an autistic resident and the parent of a child who has the condition

More support is needed for the autistic community on the Isle of Man.

The call is being made by an autistic resident and the parent of a child who has the condition. 

Speaking anonymously, the pair told Manx Radio that while they welcome the National Strategy for Autism Spectrum Condition and all six goals from the plan, the rollout of it has not been handled well. 

You can find the document here.

For the male, he has seen his autism support worker, which equates to 60 minutes a week, replaced with a mental health worker.

They're both calling for an autism champion for the community:

Manx Care has been contacted for a comment.

DHSC response

The Department of Health and Social Care says,: "the Manx Care Mandate 2024/25 makes clear references to the Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) strategy, and a specific requirement to ensure all responsibilities allocated to them are completed. 

"To date, Manx Care has started to implement some of the actions set out in the strategy and is a core member of the ASC Steering Group. They are also tasked with supporting the Department of Education, Sport and Culture (DESC) in the scoping of a nursery for children with complex needs as part of the Childcare Strategy."

AUTISM CHAMPION

"The appointment of an Autism champion would be a political decision – and it was discussed in 2019. It was the only recommendation (of 21) not to be approved."

REMOVAL OF AUTISM SUPPORT WORKER

With regards to the male's concerns it says it's: "unable to comment on patient-specific circumstances, this would be the responsibility of Manx Care as their current healthcare provider.  We would direct the gentleman in question to either speak with his current mental health worker of MCALS in relation to his concern." 

You can listen to the full interview on Manx Newscasts: