Raising awareness of adult autism | BPS

Raising awareness of adult autism | BPS

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Asperger's Disorder are lifelong conditions that in the UK alone affects over 500,000 people. In the UK there are a number of current government sponsored initiatives to raise awareness of adult autism and Asperger's. Often ASD is overlooked when adults are seen in mental health facilities, and many medical practitioners are unaware and untrained to administer tests and measures that effectively diagnose these conditions. While most professionals know something about autism, they do not necessarily understand how autism affects people, and these effects are what really matter in day to day living.

The British Psychological Society has developed a series of e-learning modules to raise awareness of adult autism. These are delivered through their BPS Learning Centre, the modules appeal to a range of learners, including members of the public. The modules concentrate on raising awareness, delivering knowledge and understanding from introductory to specialist levels. These are excellent training programs to start with, especially when it comes to adult autism, as there are so few good recourses out there. The link to the British Psychological Society site is above.

The three e-learning modules are:

• Building awareness of adult autism
• Supporting adults with autism (coming soon)
• Working with adults with autism (suitable for Practitioner Psychologists and other professionals) (coming soon)

If you are in need of assessment, diagnosis and treatment for autism and its effects on adults in the home, in relationships or in the work place, please feel free to contact me.

Dr. Jim Roche, Registered Psychologist
RelatedMinds Educational Services
www.relatedminds.com