Case Studies / Learning Disabilities and Autism Advocacy - Client A
LD&AA Client A
Client A going through problems with an abusive ex-partner who had client’s child removed. Client A has a learning disability and potential autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Barriers faced in being heard:
Client A going through problems with an abusive ex-partner who had client’s child removed. Client A has learning disability and potential ASD so struggles with communication, misunderstanding professionals and being understood. Client A needed support communicating with social workers and other professionals in social services. Social services did not seem to understand client’s way of communicating. Client A found it difficult to answer questions directly and often tried to give too much information and ended up forgetting their point.
Advocacy undertaken:
- With an Advocate present, Client A did not feel under pressure to remember everything as there were notes taken
- Advocate offered support around reminding Client A what the question was and what they were trying to say
Outcomes:
Client A got support in putting across their point to social services. Client A expressed they felt significantly less anxious when there was an advocate present.