My name is Robert Prosser. I am 52 year old. I was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome in my mid 40s and I finally got the support I needed. I had lived with my parents all my life. That came to an end when my dad died. My dad had supported me both financially since I had income support taken away. He had paid for me to attend the autism charity to learn life skills and helping me with things I cannot do like dealing with official forms and dealing with phone calls. Since the death of my dad I have had little support. I did not get support of the autism team until after my dad’s death und at first support was generic as if all autistic people have exactly the same difficulties. The initial outcome of care plan seemed to have already been decided before the care act assessment.  Despite my dad saying I would have an income until the house was sold, most of my income stopped soon after my dad’s death because he had most of his money in a joint account with my mother. My mother has dementia so was unable to help me.

I would be surprised if I was the only autistic person who has been person who was been made to suffer with lack of support when parents have died or gone into a care home because of lack of support. When I lost my dad I had no support with benefits other that short term from P3 charity. I had no support with PIP. I have also limited short term support with housing. None of the organisation would work together and it was extremely confusing where to go. 

 My experience is an example

What would help:

·        Social care, mental health services and any of services involved to be made to work together

·        Social cares to either provide support with benefits or refer or signpost to some who can straight away

·        Crisis services to support with other issues what do not require medication or therapy e.g. signpost or refer to support to help with benefits, housing dealing with solicitor

·        Crisis services to provide other forms of contact like video calls and email