This website (previously ASDinfoWales) belongs to and is run by the National Autism Team, which is funded by Welsh Government. It is one of the resources which helps the Team achieve their aim to improve the lives of autistic people in Wales.

How post-diagnosis interventions can empower autistic people

Actions and outcomes

G was diagnosed as autistic in early 2020 but was unsure what his diagnosis meant and how his autism affected him. G was experiencing a few difficulties at the time and was unsure if these issues were related to autism, or behaviours he developed whilst he was in the army.

 

As a starting point, we completed an autism profile to help G understand why he sometimes behaves the way he does. The profile also helped him to explain these behaviours to others, and to communicate to others how they can best support him.

 

G also attended our Virtual Post Diagnosis Course (VPDC) to help him to understand his autism and to empower him with the knowledge that he was not on his own. I also offered his partner a place on a Parent and Carers Post Diagnosis Course, although she did not take this offer up.

 

G also indicated that he had difficulties making decisions and putting things in order, which was affecting his business. G would double book himself and work himself to exhaustion. We introduced a planner to assist with this.  G also attended an EPP course to help with planning and organisation, to develop his confidence with decision making and to improve his problem-solving skills to allow him to set realistic goals.  G did attend the Managing Time and Improving Wellbeing course but felt it wasn’t right for him, so left the course after the second week of the five-week course.

 

I also supported G with applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) by supplying him with supporting information and guidance developed within the service to help him to fill out the application form.

 

G also received 1:1 support with scripting to support with appropriate conversations.

 

1:1 support was also provided to G’s partner to support her to develop her understanding of how G’s autism impacted upon him and ways she can support.

 

The outcome of this support is that G is now awaiting training to volunteer as an EPP tutor. He will then support the IAS to deliver additional EPP courses.

Feedback

G explained that he found the post diagnosis course really helpful and validating, and that it gave him a good understanding of his autism.

 

G also found the EPP course empowering, so much so that he wants to become a trainer and deliver the course to other individuals with an autism diagnosis.

Lessons Learned

The right intervention course can empower autistic individuals with knowledge about their diagnosis and how it affects them, and this can have significant positive impacts on their mental health, wellbeing and relationships. These courses can inspire individuals and give them the confidence to take part in delivering training courses to help others to understand their autism diagnosis.

Information

Health Board:
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
Local Authority:
Unknown
Integrated Autism Service:
Gwent IAS
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