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This morning we held the first session of our short inquiry into the treatment of autistic people and people with learning disabilities.
Here is a summary of the key points
(1/8) https://twitter.com/CommonsHealth/status/1357649453289717762
Here is a summary of the key points
(1/8) https://twitter.com/CommonsHealth/status/1357649453289717762
We began by speaking to @AQuinnUnbroken who described how she was treated as less than human by the system, put at odds with herself, and for the first time made to hate the autistic part of herself (2/8)
. @AQuinnUnbroken said sectioning is a constant threat due to a lack of community support and a system that over-medicalises people. She said most staff tried their best but the system is unfit for purpose. She called for real change & an end to 'endless evidence giving' (3/8)
Our witnesses were unanimous that in-patient settings were not the right place for the vast majority of people and spoke about examples of people who have gone from being restrained and secluded in hospital to thriving within the community within days (4/8)
Witnesses were clear that the absence of community provision is a serious problem which hasn't improved, and expressed concern that without this provision, and necessary investment, no change would occur, even with changes to legislation (5/8)
All our witnesses emphasised that specific services, particularly crisis support, would all continue to be needed but that the right place for this is in the community, with upfront investment and wider care and support provided that is appropriate for individuals (6/8)
Witnesses also shared concerns about the impact of the pandemic on people with learning disabilities, including the very high death rate, the removal of support, and the lack of priority attached to vaccinating people with learning disabilities and their carers (7/8)
The transcript for the session will be available soon.
In the meantime, you can watch the session back online here: https://www.parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/3b158af2-8de1-4df3-abdb-0ab1fb6d9c9b
And find out more about the inquiry on our website: https://committees.parliament.uk/work/1026/treatment-of-autistic-people-and-individuals-with-learning-disabilities/
(8/8)
In the meantime, you can watch the session back online here: https://www.parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/3b158af2-8de1-4df3-abdb-0ab1fb6d9c9b
And find out more about the inquiry on our website: https://committees.parliament.uk/work/1026/treatment-of-autistic-people-and-individuals-with-learning-disabilities/
(8/8)
