Support for individuals with autism, as well as their families, involves a comprehensive approach that encompasses various services and resources to address their unique needs. Here are some key areas of support:

1. Educational Support

This has been discussed within the Association Executive and is planned as a cooperative response with island based further educational centres, sych as the Samuel Jackman Prescott Technical Institute for example, for the future support of our programs:

2. Therapeutic Support, combined with Healthcare and medical

Behavioral therapy, Speech and language therapy, Occupational therapy and physical therapy are prime goals that we intend to be provided by the Association as a future partnership with consultants and specialists.

We are planning to offer a subsidized service for students, whereby parents for example would contribute 25% of a specialist normal cost, insurance companies would be negotiable to pay 50% as part of a policy and the association contribute 25% of the remaing cost for these therapies.

Early childhood assessment of children who may be on the spectrum: we plan to work with insurance companies to offer comprehensive screening and assessment of children whose development is not regular, is delayed or perhaps shows signs of autism. 

We have started to provide the very beginnings of these services in the form of workshops and informal advice for parents and caregivers during the past 2 years as part of our role in International Autism Awareness during the month of April each year. Our events have included presentations on mental health workshops for parents and caregivers, and latterly on the forthcoming changes to the non contributory pension scheme for disabled groups including those affected by ASD.

4. Family and Caregiver Support

Parent Training and Education. Programs that teach parents strategies to support their child’s development at home, reinforcing our programs, and manage challenging behaviours.

Support Groups: Groups where parents and caregivers can informally share experiences, resources and emotional support.

Respite Care: We are ready to develop a program based on our recognition of the need for temporary relief for primary caregivers, giving them a break from the demands of caregiving.

5. Employment and Vocational Support

Job Coaching, Vocational Training & Supported Employment Programs. This is the core of the basic life skills program that we began developing during the past 2 years which we plan to now start in the first quarter of 2025. The basic life skills course is about those very skills that one needs to look after oneself after parents and extended family have died, and are no longer able to give sheltered or supervised accommodation or provide living skills, to those persons with autistic spectrum disorders.

By developing basic life skills as the foundation, we can move into job support and vocational training as part of a strategy of equipping individuals with the basic skills they need to be employed.

6. Financial and Legal advice

Disability Benefits, Advocacy Services & Future Planning

These have all been considered and are planned as future developments dependent on our resources. However, the upcoming changes in pensions have already been highlighted as being of prime importance to our community, expected during the last quarter of 2024.

Planning for Trust Funds for children after their parents are no longer their to directly provide for them has been discussed and will be developed as a service.

7. Technology and Assistive Devices

Communication Devices & Assistive Technology

Not yet developed but certainly the use of computers and programs in providing alternate speech and learning services will be developed with the partnership of local Community College and the Samuel Jackman Prescott Polytechnic Technical Institute, with whom we have already met during April this year, with a proposal to look at Computer Sciences as a support system.

8. Community Resources

Exercise & Recreational Programs for the disabled community generally but also specifically for those with autism spectrum disorders.

Our VP is a recognised specialist in working with the disabled and has developed physical exercise programs which are already in operation.

Comprehensive support involves collaboration among families, educators, health care providers, and community organizations to ensure individuals with autism have the resources they need to thrive. The key as with all sections of the disabled community, is the recognition of specific demands and the realisation they are not being provided, and then designing programs to meet them.