PASDA - Parents of Autistic Spectrum Disorder Adults

An organisation for the parents of autistic adults.

The Edinburgh PASDA group meets on the second Wednesday of every month (except August) in the Vocal Office at 8 Johnson Terrace, Edinburgh, 7,30 pm. All those interested, from whatever angle, are welcome. For information, emotional support or to tell us anything positive, freephone 0800 852 0850 or email moira.dickinson@btinternet.co.uk or sw011c9334@blueyonder.co.uk.

The group aims to raise awareness and promote the development of appropriate services to care for autistic adults, and their parents who also need support and respite.

At present there are very few specific services in housing, education, social work or health available anywhere in Scotland, particularly in Edinburgh.

The effect on parents’ lives is disabling and disempowering. The poor physical and emotional health of autistic adults means they make heavy use of health service resources. Therefore it would be cost effective to provide better and more informed care, so that neither they not their parents would need to access health services so often.

Autistic adults often display 'challenging behaviour'. Official responses can be inappropriate, including Sectioning under the Mental Health Act and the prescribing of mind altering drugs. Those with autism do not always react to these drugs as expected; leading to more aggression, more drugs and a downward spiral for both the sufferers and their carers – often aging parents who worry what will happen when they are no longer around.

Autistic adults need to be taught daily living skills. All those involved, including GP's, Nursery Nurses, Health Visitors, Social Workers, Carers and Parents, need special training.