Listening to the experts: person-centred approaches to supporting autistic people and people with an intellectual disability in the mental health system

Abstract

SUMMARY Despite numerous UK government policies aimed at reducing the number of autistic people and people with an intellectual disability in mental health hospitals, little progress has been made, with many experiencing lengthy stays that offer little therapeutic benefit. Once admitted, people are at risk of restrictive interventions and significantly delayed discharge, resulting in trauma. This article draws on the cases of four people to illustrate the limitations of current mental health system approaches to the challenges experienced by autistic people and people with an intellectual disability. The importance of relational working and listening to people is explored, and we demonstrate how this can facilitate the provision of bespoke housing and care packages to enable a successful return to life in the community. Finally, we offer recommendations on the changes urgently needed to ensure that autistic people and people with an intellectual disability can live ordinary lives in their own homes, with timely and effective support from mental health services when needed, just like everyone else.