A mother has expressed her distress over her son’s prolonged stay in a hospital, emphasizing the challenges faced by individuals with autism when transitioning to adequate care facilities. Amanda’s son, 19-year-old Sebastian, has spent 10 months in a mental health hospital despite being deemed fit for discharge. The Southern Health Trust is currently struggling to secure suitable accommodation that meets his complex needs.
Amanda highlights the struggles surrounding her son’s situation. She insists that the system has failed him due to a lack of appropriate housing options for individuals like Sebastian, who is non-verbal and has autism.
Amanda asserts that specialists have recognized he does not belong in a hospital setting. “My child does not belong in a building like that,” she stated, referring to the stress he experiences while living there.
Sebastian was first placed in respite care at the age of four due to behavioral challenges at home. However, once he turned 18, he could no longer stay at his previous residence dedicated to children with special needs. Following a significant incident earlier this year, he was admitted to a mental health facility where he has remained ever since.
Despite being fit for discharge just two weeks after his admission, finding an appropriate placement remains an unresolved issue.
The situation extends beyond Sebastian, affecting many others across Northern Ireland. According to data obtained from various trusts, 22 adults are currently stuck in mental health hospitals despite being ready for discharge. Some patients have faced waits exceeding one year.
Kerry Boyd from Autism NI noted that families are increasingly worried about the lack of support available for autistic adults after they turn 18. She emphasized the importance of providing adequate resources so that these individuals can live independently and enjoy similar opportunities as their peers.
A spokesperson for the Southern Trust acknowledged their ongoing efforts to find suitable placements for patients with complex needs and mentioned that less than five others share a similar predicament as Sebastian.
The struggle for suitable accommodations highlights systemic issues within healthcare provision and calls for urgent reform. As discussions regarding autism services continue, it remains crucial for authorities to prioritize accessible housing and support systems tailored specifically for autistic adults.
The unfolding situation reflects a pressing need for better integration of health services and community support, ensuring that no individual is left behind due to bureaucratic challenges.
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