Jojo D
New Member
As an autistic psychotherapist in private practice in the UK and with experience of working within the NHS I am aware that while there are existing autism guidelines, they often seem to be implemented and initiated by allistic bodies to 'slot into' existing neurotypical service agendas. There seems to be a significant gap between the autists using services and their ability to drive meaningful change. I have experienced this again and again in 'working with autism' trainings or diversity committees where I am left feeling misunderstood, marginalised and shocked at the general lack of knowledge and accommodation available. This seems to result in policies that are often 'lip service' to the needs of autists, but do not meaningfully support their access to and benefit from mental health support.
Well In Mind therapy is an autistic owned psychotherapy service that is committed to putting autistic needs at the centre of an affirmative service and we are asking anyone interested in participating to complete an online feedback form to let us know how you need the UK's mental health services to adapt and learn. No personal information is collected and the feedback form focusses on the shortcoming of services instead of the experience of being autistic - we want the focus to remain on the demand of services to change instead of the idea that our needs are the problem.
The purpose of this review is to draft a Mental Health Service & Practice Policy within the service, which we then plan to engage other private and NHS services with to encourage broader commitment to the importance of autistic led practice and guidance within the field of mental health practice, research and teaching. It has been too long that we have been told what we need instead of having those in power follow our lead.
Anyone who would like to review any policies resulting from the exercises and be kept up to date on how we advocate for this process within other services, please do not hesitate to reach out using the details available on the form.
Any participation will be greatly appreciated, but we also value that many of us are completely exhausted with being asked to help with the mental load of this type of request and respect the wish to not do so.
The easy online form can be accessed at Mental Health Services Policy & Practice Review - autistic focussed amendments
Well In Mind therapy is an autistic owned psychotherapy service that is committed to putting autistic needs at the centre of an affirmative service and we are asking anyone interested in participating to complete an online feedback form to let us know how you need the UK's mental health services to adapt and learn. No personal information is collected and the feedback form focusses on the shortcoming of services instead of the experience of being autistic - we want the focus to remain on the demand of services to change instead of the idea that our needs are the problem.
The purpose of this review is to draft a Mental Health Service & Practice Policy within the service, which we then plan to engage other private and NHS services with to encourage broader commitment to the importance of autistic led practice and guidance within the field of mental health practice, research and teaching. It has been too long that we have been told what we need instead of having those in power follow our lead.
Anyone who would like to review any policies resulting from the exercises and be kept up to date on how we advocate for this process within other services, please do not hesitate to reach out using the details available on the form.
Any participation will be greatly appreciated, but we also value that many of us are completely exhausted with being asked to help with the mental load of this type of request and respect the wish to not do so.
The easy online form can be accessed at Mental Health Services Policy & Practice Review - autistic focussed amendments
