Assessing Risk & the Complexity of Traits Safeguarding Children with Autism Conference December 2015 By Wade Tidbury

Autism

The rule of optimism Diagnostic overlay Reluctance to challenge carers Overreliance on parents / carers as advocates or communicators with child Assumptions about child's point of view Tolerance of abuse due to disability Abuse and Disabled Children

Reasons why children with disability are more vulnerable to abuse Social attitudes to disability Dependency on others Communication difficulties Lack of participation and choice Disability masks abuse Isolation Poor professional understanding Limited access to personal safety programmes and relationship education

What might be abuse for children with disabilities? Misuse of medication to sedate. Force feeding. Failure to meet communication needs so development is delayed. Inappropriate behaviour modification such as deprivation of liquid, clothing or food. Physical intervention / restraint that is not in line with guidance or plans

Autism - difficulties in four areas Social Interaction Social Communication Social Imagination Sensory Stimuli

Physical abuse Inappropriate forms of restraint Force feeding injuries Overmedication Cures for autism (internet purchases) Alternative medicine

Emotional Abuse Lack of balance between promoting development and denying autism Heavy handed denial of need for routine/structure/special interests Professionals need to be alert to changes in anxiety levels/ sleep patterns / new behaviours

Sexual abuse Sexual development of children with autism may be out of step with emotional and social development They may also lack understanding of social rules More vulnerable to sexual abuse Echolalia Knowing the child

Neglect Most common type of abuse suffered by children with disabilities Type of abuse most likely to confuse professionals when child has autism Sparse room Doors and windows Dishevelled appearance Desire for sameness Food and eating

Unpicking concerns Working with parents Open minded Listening to child Keep the child at centre ! What is the child’s preferred way of communicating and do YOU need help with this? Listening to other professionals Who knows child well? Who understands autism? Objectivity

Supervision and your support Your normal supervisor Also needs to know about autism Needs to be able to be objective Needs to stay child focussed and keep you that way So, do you both need another in the process?

Communication The ability to communicate well can mask real concerns (focus on interests) Preferred communication style Do you need help? Speech output devices Time is needed Listen and listen some more Metaphor, irony and sarcasm

Most important message of all! Keep the child at the centre of your thinking and actions

Case studies John Yusaf Heather Think Feel Do