"Enhancing Resources for Adult Autism and ADHD Service"

I would like to provide feedback on your Adult ADHD & Autism service webpage.

Based on my experience of receiving a late Adult Autism diagnosis and currently waiting for an ADHD assessment, I believe there are several ways to enhance your service to better support adults in similar situations. One major gap I noticed is the lack of information and support to help neurodivergent adults increase their understanding and connect with other potential services that offer assistance.

During my waiting period, I felt helpless, which negatively impacted my mental health and employment, ultimately leading me to leaving my job and relocating to Coventry to move away from my family who didn't understand/accept my needs. I’ve been unemployed for 2 years now and had to figure out everything by myself and self advocate.

When I lived in Coventry, I found that the Coventry Adult Neurodevelopmental Service webpage was more informative. In the post-diagnostic section, they feature videos on topics related to neurodiversity (e.g., understanding Autism and ADHD, sensory needs, and neurodiverse communication). They also provide a resource PDF link with helpful links, such as the National Autistic Society and ADHD Foundation. Coventry also offer a community autism support service (CASS Partnership) https://casspartnership.org.uk/.

I'm not sure why The Black Country region doesn't have something similar. Additionally, during my support from IAPT for anxiety and depression, I discovered they offer employment support through the "Thrive into Work" scheme, which provides one-on-one employment assistance for neurodivergent adults (allowing health conditions to be self-defined without the need for formal diagnosis): https://dudleyci.co.uk/services/black-country-healthcare-nhs-foundation-trust-thrive-into-work.

I haven't received any specialist sensory assessment/support from an Occupational therapist in the NHS because there doesn't seem to be one for adults in my area which is disappointing, so I had to search for strategies to cope with my oversenstivities(light, noise, taste, smell, touch) myself online.

I also struggle with chronic fatigue, sleep maintenance insomnia and IBS and had other tests/referrals. Both gastrointestinal (GI) and sleep issues are common among neurodivergent people. Not all GPs in the UK are fully knowledgeable about the comorbidities commonly linked to autism and ADHD. The National Autistic Website provides extensive information on a wide range of topics related to autism, including diagnosis, support, education, employment, and living independently. I hope that in the future there will be increased awareness, specialized training, and better integration between general practice and neurodevelopmental specialists to ensure GPs can effectively support neurodivergent individuals with their broader health concerns.

Upon returning to Dudley this year, I compared Dudley Adult ADHD & Autism service webpage with Coventry’s and found it lacking in information to support adults awaiting or receiving a late autism/ADHD diagnosis. It took considerable time for me to locate the right online resources and get the right support. I believe it would greatly benefit your webpage to include vital resources and links (e.g., the National Autistic Society, ADHD Foundation, Autism West Midlands) regarding Autism and ADHD.

Neurodivergent people are more likely to experience mental health issues and unemployment and getting a late autism or ADHD diagnosis can be a stressful and distressing experience for many individuals. Therefore, information on how IAPT can assist with mental health issues and employment support would also be valuable.

There is also a service called 'Shout' which is a free, 24/7 text messaging service providing support for anyone in distress. It’s useful for people who may not feel comfortable talking on the phone but need emotional support. Providing accessible information on your website can help neurodivergent individuals access the information and support they need quickly and improve outcomes.

Thank you for considering my feedback.