"Lack of services for over 30's on the Autistic Spectrum."

I am the parent of a 30-year old on the Autistic Spectrum who had a social worker until they were 17 years of age. At this time their IQ was reassessed and with a score of 79-87 they were deemed as no longer requiring additional support from learning support services within the Southern Trust. They would have needed a score of 70 or below to allow them to continue accessing services - a very small margin in points has made a world of a difference. When I request support  I am told that Trusts do not received funding for people on the Autistic Spectrum who are over 30. Just because someone is 30 years of age  does not mean the condition and difficulties they having been living with all their life suddenly disappear.

They are now 30 years of age and only able to access 4 hours voluntary work per week due to lack of a social worker. This has had a negative impact on their physical and mental well-being. A social worker would be able to refer him to additional services and enable us to apply for Self-Directed Support Payments. This would allow us to access additional hours at the community organisation where they currently work voluntarily for 4 hours per week, as well as other services within the community. They  love the work and come alive when there.

They have not been reassessed in the past 11 years - I've been told there would be no point as there likely wouldn't be a change. No one has listened to me, his mother, when I have said I see them deteriorating. They would not be able to live independently and my constant worry is what happens when I am no longer here . This worry has weighed me down to the point where I now feel physically, mentally and emotionally drained. I am requesting a reassessment of IQ through this site as my requests are falling on deaf ears in community services.