Improving the NHS for people with autism and learning disabilities
We asked people in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, including those with autism and learning disabilities, how they would spend extra money on the NHS to improve services.
And the findings in the What would you do? report published a few weeks ago, highlight problems ranging from getting a diagnosis, treatment and support to not enough appropriate services and problems accessing services that are there – particularly mental health.
People with autism and learning disabilities told Healthwatch they would like:
- Care from familiar nurses and GPs
- Services and care closer to home
- Better communication
- Easy-to-understand information using simple words and pictures
One carer, in their late 60s, said: "There is no other help at all. Nothing proactive. Need to fight, remind, explain all the time. We three feel utterly abandoned now."
Another carer said her sons had amazing minds and if they had support to deal with anxiety and sensory difficulties they could "maybe live productive lives."
Give your views too
Have you got a recent experience of services for people with learning disabilities or autism.
We'd like to hear from you.
Call us on 0330 355 1285 (local call number)
Text us on 0752 0635 176
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