Introduction
Social prescribing (SP) is a low-intensity personalised care model that involves health care professionals referring patients to community-based support, activities, and groups to improve their health and well-being. SP has been receiving increasing attention from policymakers and commissioners in the UK, as it offers opportunities to address isolation, build skills, and promote health through collaborations between services and communities.
However, little is known about the efficacy and accessibility of SP for autistic adults, who often face barriers and challenges in accessing traditional health care and social care services. Autistic adults may have different needs and preferences than the general population, and may require adaptations and accommodations to benefit from SP.
In this paper, the author reviews the existing literature on SP in the general population and examines the factors that should be considered when offering SP to autistic adults. The author also proposes a framework for service provision and evaluation of SP for autistic adults, based on the principles of co-production, person-centredness, and accessibility.
Literature Review
The author conducted a literature review to identify the current evidence and gaps in knowledge on SP in the general population and for autistic adults. The author searched various databases and websites for relevant studies and reports, using keywords such as “social prescribing”, “autism”, “autistic”, “asperger”, and “neurodiversity”. The author also consulted with experts and stakeholders in the field of SP and autism.
The literature review revealed that SP has been shown to have positive effects on the physical and mental health, well-being, and social inclusion of patients in the general population, especially for those with long-term conditions, mental health problems, and social isolation. SP can also reduce the demand and cost of health care and social care services, by providing alternative and complementary support that is tailored to the individual’s needs and interests.
However, the literature review also identified several limitations and challenges in the current evidence and practice of SP, such as the lack of a clear and consistent definition, the variability and heterogeneity of SP interventions and outcomes, the scarcity and quality of evaluation studies, and the need for more involvement and empowerment of service users and providers.
Moreover, the literature review found that there is a dearth of research and guidance on SP for autistic adults, despite the potential benefits and suitability of SP for this population. The author argues that autistic adults may face specific barriers and challenges in accessing and engaging with SP, such as the lack of awareness and recognition of autism, the stigma and discrimination associated with autism, the difficulties in navigating and communicating with health care and social care systems, the sensory and social demands and expectations of SP activities and groups, and the lack of choice and control over SP options and referrals.
The author suggests that SP for autistic adults should take into account the diversity and complexity of autism, and the individual’s strengths, needs, preferences, and goals. The author also highlights the importance of co-producing and co-evaluating SP interventions and outcomes with autistic adults, as well as ensuring the accessibility and adaptability of SP services and environments.
Framework for Service Provision and Evaluation
Based on the literature review and the consultation with experts and stakeholders, the author proposes a framework for service provision and evaluation of SP for autistic adults. The framework consists of four key components: co-production, person-centredness, accessibility, and evaluation.
Co-production
Co-production is the process of involving service users and providers in the design, delivery, and improvement of services, based on the principles of equality, reciprocity, and mutual respect. Co-production can enhance the quality, relevance, and effectiveness of services, as well as the satisfaction, empowerment, and ownership of service users and providers.
The author recommends that SP for autistic adults should be co-produced with autistic adults, as well as their families, carers, and advocates, if appropriate. This means that autistic adults should be involved in identifying their needs, interests, and goals, choosing and accessing SP options and referrals, providing feedback and suggestions, and participating in decision-making and governance. Co-production can also foster the development of positive relationships and trust between autistic adults and SP providers, as well as the creation of a supportive and inclusive community.
Person-centredness
Person-centredness is the approach of tailoring services and support to the individual’s preferences, values, and aspirations, rather than imposing predefined or standardized solutions. Person-centredness can increase the autonomy, dignity, and self-determination of service users, as well as the responsiveness and flexibility of service providers.
The author advises that SP for autistic adults should be person-centred, meaning that autistic adults should have choice and control over their SP journey, and that SP interventions and outcomes should be aligned with their personal goals and outcomes. This implies that SP for autistic adults should offer a range and variety of SP options and referrals, that are relevant, meaningful, and enjoyable for autistic adults, and that reflect their diverse and complex needs and interests. Person-centredness also implies that SP for autistic adults should be adaptable and adjustable, to accommodate the changing and fluctuating needs and circumstances of autistic adults.
Accessibility
Accessibility is the degree to which services and environments are usable and understandable by people with different abilities, needs, and backgrounds, without requiring significant modification or adaptation. Accessibility can reduce the barriers and challenges that people may face in accessing and engaging with services and environments, and can promote the inclusion and participation of people from diverse and marginalized groups.
The author suggests that SP for autistic adults should be accessible, meaning that autistic adults should be able to access and engage with SP services and environments without undue difficulty or discomfort. This entails that SP for autistic adults should be aware and respectful of the sensory, social, communication, and cognitive needs and preferences of autistic adults, and that SP services and environments should be designed and adapted accordingly. Accessibility also entails that SP for autistic adults should be informed and supported by the appropriate information, communication, and technology, and that SP services and environments should be safe and welcoming for autistic adults.
Evaluation
Evaluation is the process of assessing and measuring the quality, effectiveness, and impact of services and interventions, using various methods and indicators. Evaluation can provide evidence and feedback for service improvement, accountability, and learning, as well as for demonstrating the value and outcomes of services and interventions.
The author proposes that SP for autistic adults should be evaluated, using a mixed-methods and participatory approach, that involves both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, and that engages autistic adults and other stakeholders in the evaluation process. The author also proposes that SP for autistic adults should be evaluated using a range of indicators and measures, that capture the multidimensional and holistic nature of SP interventions and outcomes, and that reflect the personal goals and outcomes of autistic adults. The author provides some examples of possible indicators and measures, such as the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale, the Autism-Spectrum Quotient, the Social Connectedness Scale, and the Personal Wellbeing Index.
Conclusion
The author concludes that SP for autistic adults is a promising and innovative approach to personalised care, that has the potential to improve the health and well-being of autistic adults, and to address the gaps and challenges in the current health care and social care systems. The author also concludes that SP for autistic adults requires further research and development, to establish the evidence base and the best practice guidelines for SP for autistic adults. The author hopes that this paper will contribute to the advancement of knowledge and practice of SP for autistic adults, and will inspire further collaboration and co-production between researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and autistic adults.
FAQ
What is social prescribing (SP)?
SP is a low-intensity personalised care model that involves health care professionals referring patients to community-based support, activities, and groups to improve their health and well-being.
How is SP different from traditional health care and social care?
SP is different from traditional health care and social care in that it does not focus on treating or curing specific medical conditions, but rather on enhancing the overall health and well-being of the individual, by addressing their social, emotional, and environmental needs and interests. SP also does not rely on prescribed or standardized interventions, but rather on offering choice and control to the individual, and allowing them to access and engage with a range of community-based support, activities, and groups.
What are the challenges and opportunities of SP for autistic adults?
SP for autistic adults may face some challenges, such as the lack of awareness and recognition of autism among SP providers and services, the stigma and discrimination associated with autism in society, the difficulties in navigating and communicating with health care and social care systems, the sensory and social demands and expectations of SP activities and groups, and the lack of choice and control over SP options and referrals. However, SP for autistic adults may also offer some opportunities, such as the potential to improve the physical and mental health, well-being, and social inclusion of autistic adults, the possibility to address the gaps and challenges in the current health care and social care systems, the opportunity to provide personalised, holistic, and accessible support that is aligned with the strengths, needs, preferences, and goals of autistic adults, and the chance to foster the development of positive relationships and trust between autistic adults and SP providers, as well as the creation of a supportive and inclusive community.
How can SP for autistic adults be improved and developed?
SP for autistic adults can be improved and developed by conducting more research and evaluation on the efficacy and accessibility of SP for autistic adults, by establishing the evidence base and the best practice guidelines for SP for autistic adults, by involving and empowering autistic adults and other stakeholders in the co-production and co-evaluation of SP interventions and outcomes, by ensuring the accessibility and adaptability of SP services and environments, and by promoting the awareness and recognition of autism among SP providers and services.
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