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Describe the current legislative framework that underpins the safeguarding of children, young people and adults with autism
Chapter 2 mental capacity act case studies
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Mental capacity and best interests The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) is designed to protect and empower individuals who make lack the mental capacity to make their own decisions about their care and treatment. The law applies to individuals aged 16 and over. The act states that: • Everyone has the right to make his or her own decisions, health and care professionals must always assume an individual has the capacity to make their own decisions unless it’s proved otherwise through capacity assessment. • Any act done or decision made on behalf of an individual deemed to lack the capacity (following a capacity assessment), must be done in their best interests, this can cover financial, health and social care decisions. The act also states that …show more content…
if an individual lacks capacity they are entitled to another person to make the decisions for them, this person is known as a decision maker who is usually appointed to care for an individual and make best interest decisions for them.
Advocacy If an individual can’t speak for themselves and be in control of their own lives they will need someone to act as advocate for them. The Care Act 2014 states that if an individual has no-one to assist them to make decisions then it is the responsibility of the local authority to provide an independent advocate to work on their behalf. The Mental Capacity Act 2005 states that in order to protect the rights of individuals who don’t have the capacity to make their own decisions they an independent Mental capacity Advocate is put in place to learn as much as possible about the individuals and act in their best interests. These laws provide protection and guidance to individuals with autism such as: • Provide protection against discrimination in relation to education, employment and goods and service provision. • Protect their rights. • Look after their best interests • Inform healthcare providers about their requirements. Question 21 Outline how legislation and guidance can be used to support individuals with autism Legislation and guidance can be used to support individuals with autism as …show more content…
they: • Help to inform healthcare services about necessary provisions • They put a duty of care on the government to make provisions for healthcare and support • Look after their best interests • Protect their rights and stop discrimination taking place Question 22 Describe what is meant by person-cantered support A person centred approach means treating everyone as an individual rather than focusing on their illness or disabilities. Person centred care treats the whole person taking into account each individuals unique qualities, abilities, preferences and needs allowing them (if possible) to make their own informed choices and decisions. As the individuals needs may change the plan is constantly reviewed to ensure they receive the support they need. Question 23 Explain why it is important to treat the person with autism as an individual Every individual with autism will have their own unique problems and challenges and will need an individual care plan that will meet their needs, there is no ‘one size fits all’.
The individual will need to be encouraged to make decisions about the care they receive and the type of life they want to live and also ensure that their families are part of the decision making process. Question 24 Give examples of how support can be provided in a way that is: Compassionate Showing genuine concern and understanding for the individual and to those closest to them. Non-judgemental Never making a judgment about an individual because of their behaviour or to judge their family for the way they have brought them up. Some people may make judgements on an autistic person because they have problems communication with others and they may think that they lack intelligence where in fact they could be highly functioning. Question 25 Give at least two examples of how the rights of individuals with autism can be promoted One: Working to increase awareness and educate the public about autism and professionals to reduce the stigma associated with individuals with
autism. Two: Getting autistic adults involved in the development and delivery of autism awareness training particular within local authorities and other services to ensure appropriate support and services are in place. Question 26 Describe how to incorporate the preferences and needs of individuals when providing support When providing any support it is vital to consider the preferences and needs of the individual which is the whole ethos of ‘person centred support’. The support should always be centred on the individuals own personal needs and preferences. This can be achieved through working with the individual and providing them with all the relevant information so they can make informed choices and if deemed necessary their family or an advocate can be put in place. The needs of an individual could include: • Social opportunities such as social outings, clubs etc. • Employment support • Independent living and housing • Speech and language therapy • Personal mentoring • Work experience and many more…. The Autism Educational Trust have produced a ‘Person Centred Planning Toolkit’ which includes the five key features of PCP and is as follows: • The individual is at the centre of the planning process • Planning should reflect the individuals preferences now and in the future • Family, friends, carers and partners are involved in the planning process • The plan assist the individual to be part of the community and supports the community to include the individual. • The PCP is on-going and needs to be reviewed and amended as required Question 27 Explain why it is important to work with each individual’s strengths and abilities to enable them to achieve their potential Each individual with autism is unique and some on the spectrum have exceptional abilities, skills and strengths. Although upto 25% of individuals with ASD are non verbal there other ways to communicate. Recognising that a student has a particular skill might create an opportunity to connect with them for example the student might be an exceptional memory so might be able to find employment that could use that skill. Companies are now recognising that people with ASD have skillsets that would benefit them. The Microsoft Autism Hiring program was launched in April 2015 with a goal of hiring people and the software corporation SAP has had an Autism at Work program since May 2003. Through history a lot of people with ASD have had very successful lives some of which are below: • Dan Aykroyd – Comedic Actor • Hans Christian Andersen – Children’s Author • Susan Boyle – Singer • Tim Burton – Movie Director • Lewis Carroll – Author of “Alice in Wonderland” • Charles Darwin – Naturalist, Geologist, and Biologist • Albert Einstein – Scientist & Mathematician • Bill Gates – Co-founder of the Microsoft Corporation • Steve Jobs – Former CEO of Apple • Andy Warhol – Artist Question28 Give two examples of the contribution that informal networks can make to supporting individuals with autism and their families Grandparents: Taking the individual out on day trips and short holidays to improve their social life and to give their parents a much needed break. Friends: Could join in family activities and go shopping etc., so that if there was any challenging behaviour they could help. Question 29 Explain the importance of working in partnership with the individual and others It is important to work in partnership with the individual as this promotes a ‘person centred approach’ for the individual and encourages the individual to make their own choices and decisions.