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Up against the glass Loneliness and social isolation among young people with Asperger’s Syndrome, ADHD and Tourette’s Syndrome Image: © Liz de Jager www.lifeontheedgeofthecliff.com.

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Presentation on theme: "Up against the glass Loneliness and social isolation among young people with Asperger’s Syndrome, ADHD and Tourette’s Syndrome Image: © Liz de Jager www.lifeontheedgeofthecliff.com."— Presentation transcript:

1 Up against the glass Loneliness and social isolation among young people with Asperger’s Syndrome, ADHD and Tourette’s Syndrome Image: © Liz de Jager © 2017 Tracey Francis

2 We all need people… To feel valued and cared for
To develop our sense of self To express ourselves To be heard To challenge/change us To model positive/healthy behaviours To share what’s important to us To have fun To have our needs met To give us the chance to meet someone else’s needs © 2017 Tracey Francis

3 Autism, ADHD, Tourette’s – what’s the big deal?
Triad of Impairments Communication difficulties Learning social interaction by rote Difficulty processing information Fixed patterns of thinking Autism, ADHD, TS Challenging behaviours (tics, compulsive behaviours, sensory difficulties, anxiety, anger) Difficulty reading social cues/situations Maybe developmental delay © 2017 Tracey Francis

4 Square pegs in round holes?
Challenging for others Personal issues – hygiene Niche interests or enthusiasms Direct to point of rudeness/overbearing Intolerant of others Repetitive behaviours Not recognising social boundaries/personal space Impulsiveness Challenging for themselves Physically and mentally exhausting Scary and overwhelming Feeling “different” Mental health issues © 2017 Tracey Francis

5 The slippery slope we want to avoid
Loneliness Social isolation Social exclusion Low self esteem Sadness Anxiety/frustration At risk of bullying Reduced opportunities to practice essential life skills Impact on achievement and life choices Increased reliance on family Less likely to be in employment, education or training Less likely to form healthy/fulfilling relationships Downward spiral Vulnerability Dependence on family Challenging behaviours Mental health issues Poverty Housing/employment issues Alienation Vulnerable to exploitation Dependency Drug/alcohol use Higher likelihood of contact with criminal justice system Physical/mental health issues © 2017 Tracey Francis

6 “No friends come around.”
“She has started to alienate her friends. Due to her behaviour they can no longer cope with her outbursts.” “No friends come around.” “She doesn’t have any friends to spend lunchtime with.” © 2017 Tracey Francis

7 Best days of your life? Young people can be helped to develop strategies to manage their own behaviour Don’t stop at inclusion – aim for integration Model good behaviour and demonstrate acceptance/understanding Embrace difference and diversity Intervene immediately if problems arise – they won’t resolve themselves Don’t underestimate the challenges someone is living with Don’t assume someone will ask for help Focus on person-centred support Involve pupil and parents fully in planning and support © 2017 Tracey Francis

8 “Clients come to my office to find a job, but within 30 minutes they switch topics and say they are lonely and can’t find relationships. Having friends, a girlfriend or a boyfriend, feeling respected in society – it’s one of the most important things in life.” © 2017 Tracey Francis

9 School’s out forever Everything familiar suddenly changes
Peers move on Lack of awareness – “hidden disability” Lack of preparation/support around transition into adult life Gaps in communication/services Mental health support inadequate Many activities assume the ability to engage – making them inaccessible to many in this group Failure to focus on impact on the individual © 2017 Tracey Francis

10 What needs to change? Urgent need to identify a professional in adult services to be responsible for the individual plan More “second chance” options for young people whose qualifications do not match their abilities Greater access to specialist life coaching/planning Combating social isolation needs to be a core part of support packages and programmes Mental health support to reflect individual need Quantity AND quality of relationships needed Early intervention approach to problems Increased awareness of these conditions Improved support for families © 2017 Tracey Francis

11 You got a friend in me Recognise the challenges
Be resilient – someone may not mean to be rude Be clear and precise about arrangements. Do NOT change things at the last minute Be clear about boundaries Try to find a shared interest and do it together Think – simple things make a big difference Listen – take what people say seriously and don’t assume you know best Encourage a network of relationships Be positive and encouraging – build confidence, independence and self esteem © 2017 Tracey Francis

12 It Takes All Kinds of Minds
Guidelines and practical suggestions Life on the Edge of the Cliff Key themes Cultural approach Arriving at a positive outcome Getting the right support at the right time Therapeutic interventions Changing role of parents, carers and families © 2017 Tracey Francis

13 Life on the Edge of the Cliff
Mindroom © 2017 Tracey Francis


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