Response 277245710

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Reach and definitions: who should the Bill include?

Which of these proposals do you agree with (if any), please tell us why?

Proposal 2 as many people have more than one condition and neurodivergent feels more appropriate in these circumstances.
We also run the risk of missing out specific conditions if we go with Proposal 3

Which of these proposals do you not agree with (if any), please tell us why?

Proposal 1 is too broad

Statutory Strategies for Neurodivergence and Learning Disabilities

Which of these proposals do you agree with (if any), please tell us why?

Proposal 1 - I feel that the Government need to lead on this to ensure accountability across all sectors
Proposal 4 - Periodic review is a must, otherwise activity will become outdated
Proposal 5 - Ideally neurodivergent people will lead on this work, as well as being consulted

Which of these proposals do you not agree with (if any), please tell us why?

I think they are all worth considering, those listed above are what I feel are most crucial

Mandatory Training in the Public Sector

Do you agree with this proposal, please tell us why?

Mandatory training is needed across all sectors.
I agree that training should be about more neurodivergent conditions than autism and learning disabilities but with the caveat that the content on autism and learning disabilities isn't diluted to cover more conditions.

Do you not agree with this proposal, please tell us why?

If broadening the training it needs to be MORE training, not more conditions crammed into one short training course.

Is there anything else that we should consider in relation to mandatory training?

Training outcomes should include follow up data on how those undertaking the training and those supporting feel the training has impacted them over a period (e.g. at quarterly intervals)

Inclusive Communications

Which of these proposals do you agree with (if any), please tell us why?

Proposal 4: I agree that communication should be available in a range of formats and accessible for all as standard

Which of these proposals do you not agree with (if any), please tell us why?

Proposal 1 - Many neurodivergent people would be uncomfortable asking for information in an alternative format. They may not be 'out' about their condition, or their differences in how they interact socially could make them too anxious to request this. They may also not identify that they would interpret the information better in a different format - alternative formats need to just be available as standard.

Data

Which of these proposals do you agree with (if any), please tell us why?

Proposal 1 and Proposal 3 - the government needs to take accountability for this to work.

Which of these proposals do you not agree with (if any), please tell us why?

We need to be careful that those providing data have given consent and understand what it is used for, some kind of ethical framework around how we do this for those with learning disabilities especially needs to be considered.

Is there anything else that we should consider in relation to data?

Renumeration for participants should be considered

Independent Advocacy

Which of these proposals do you agree with (if any), please tell us why?

Proposal 2 - I think it is important to consider where an independent advocate would be helpful.

Is there anything else that we should consider in relation to independent advocacy?

The mandatory training offer also needs to be rolled out to independent advocates, they should all have a similar baseline so those they are advocating for can be confident in their service

Health and Wellbeing

Which of these proposals do you agree with (if any), please tell us why?

I think all of these proposals are important.

Which of these proposals do you not agree with (if any), please tell us why?

Training needs broadening in terms of MORE training provided, not diluting what is available to 'fit' more in.

Is there anything else that we should consider in relation to health and wellbeing?

Passports should be devised by neurodivergent people

Mental Health and Capacity Law

Do you agree with this approach?

Please select one item
Yes
No
Please tell us why?
I think both approaches need to happen. Autism is not a mental illness, but we shouldn't be using mental disorder either.
I don't think it should be 1 OR 2 - it should be both

Social Care

Which of these proposals do you agree with (if any), please tell us why?

I don't disagree with any but feel they can all do more.

Which of these proposals do you not agree with (if any), please tell us why?

1. The government need to set out the strategy and the social care providers should then create their own strategies on how they will meet the governments.
2. If training is broadened it needs to be MORE training, not training on more conditions condensed into one session. We need to not let the training become diluted.

Is there anything else that we should consider in relation to social care?

There should be more guidance for neurodivergent people and their families to access self-directed support and more support for them to live in this way.

Housing and Independent Living

Which of these proposals do you agree with (if any), please tell us why?

I agree with all of these proposals.

Is there anything else that we should consider in relation to housing and independent living?

I'm not sure how it works but I think all neurodivergent people requiring advice on housing and benefits should have an allocated adviser to support them in navigating all applications etc.

Complex Care – Coming Home

Should there be a statutory duty upon the relevant public body or bodies (Integration Authority, Health Board, Local Authority) to hold a Dynamic Support Register? (Proposal 1)

Please select one item
Yes
No
Please tell us more?
I think this is crucial to create accountability for those with a delayed return home.

Which of the options for the National Support Panel (Proposal 2) do you think has the most benefits?

Please select one item
Option A
Option B
Option c
Please tell us more?
I'm concerned option B could lead to the tokenistic use of peers, they need to be experts first and if they also happen to be neurodivergent then fantastic but I'd be concerned right now that they would be allowed in the panel for their neurodivergence first.

Are there any other options that you think we should consider?

It may be worth triaging cases to decide which is most relevant for different panel types to try and reduce backlog and reduce turnaround time

Relationships

Which of these proposals do you agree with (if any), please tell us why?

I'm really happy that the needs of neurodivergent parents are being explored here, it feels like this hasn't been thought about previously.

Proposal 5 - I'm really keen we have a commissioner, I was disheartened when Westminster abolished the MP role for disabilities

Is there anything else that we should consider in relation to relationships?

I feel much of this has been covered previously

Access to Technology

Which of these proposals do you agree with (if any), please tell us why?

Proposal 1 is extremely important and needs to include the mental health impact of social media.

Is there anything else that we should consider in relation to access to technology?

Many neurodivergent people use technology as their social life as online interactions are much easier than in person.
I think this topic needs to be considered much more broadly taking this into account.

Employment

Do you agree with this approach? Please tell us why?

I do but think more can be done.
More training should be provided for employers on the potential benefits of considering neurodivergent candidates. Above feels quite deficit focussed.
Neurodivergent people would also benefit from support on applying for and interviewing for jobs, this should be really accessible and not just via job coaches e.g. virtual information sessions.

Social Security

Which of these proposals do you agree with (if any), please tell us why?

Proposal 2 - training is key to help adviser guide neurodivergent people through application processes

Which of these proposals do you not agree with (if any), please tell us why?

Proposal 1 and 3 need to elaborate more on how the data and evaluations would be used moving forward. Not just collation of information - what will be done with it?

Justice

Which of these proposals do you agree with (if any), please tell us why?

I agree with all the proposals and am glad this is being looked at so intently.

Which of these proposals do you not agree with (if any), please tell us why?

Proposal 3 - as per my previous comments, accessible communication needs to be available as standard not just when requested. It's unfair to expect a neurodivergent person to request this, especially in these types of stressful situation

Restraint and Seclusion

Do you agree with this approach?

Please select one item
Yes
No
Please tell us why?
I agree but hope this topic won't be put on the backburner and the approach being considered is shared quickly

Transport

Which of these proposals do you agree with (if any), please tell us why?

Proposal 2 - Lack of understanding is the real issue here

Is there anything else that we should consider in relation to transport?

We could look at how to support neurodivergent people to access public transport, previous negative experiences or being unsure what to do/say could prevent them in feeling comfortable from using public transport

Education

Which of these proposals do you agree with (if any), please tell us why?

All of these approaches are very important, schools need to feel pressured to evidence they are following Child's plans.

Is there anything else that we should consider in relation to education?

When schools are reporting on their adherence to Child's plans the families and children should be able to feedback independently from the school's report.
There should be a National register of all Child's Plans with someone responsible for reviewing and auditing them

Children and Young people – Transitions to Adulthood

Do you agree with this proposal, please tell us why?

No, saying it's cluttered isn't a reason to not include, clean up the clutter!
The Employment part of the bill should have more focus on transitions

Accountability

Which of the 5 options set out above do you think would best protect, respect and champion the rights of neurodivergent people and people with learning disabilities? You can select multiple options if you wish.

Please select all that apply
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
Option 4
Option 5

Please give the reason for your choice(s).

A commission with champions in each sector is the approach I think that would provide the most accountability, and allow for multiple points of view.