Our 21 year old son has severe autism and associated sensory difficulties, profound learning disabilities (estimated at 1 year), life-threatening challenging behaviour and epilepsy.  We have fought for his right to receive services throughout his life, i.e. schooling, respite, education, safe accommodation, day services, etc; and in 2006 he was assessed for Continuing Care. 

As Christopher now comes under health and not social services jurisdiction it has been a long battle to secure a day placement and it has meant that the LHB has had to develop a service specifically for him.  Regardless of the severity of our son’s challenging behaviour, since his assessment, it has also meant that the service cannot only be made available to him on a ‘good behaviour basis’ and protective clothing has been purchased through the NHS Trust via the LHB to ensure staff safety.

Having previously had complaints upheld by the Ombudsman against The LA (for inconsistent respite) and additional complaints upheld (regarding transitional failure) against The LA, The LHB and The NHS Trust it has made me realise that there is a huge gap between health and social services departments.  There are little, if any services, available for those who present with severe challenging behaviour (who come under social services jurisdiction) and they are then denied services or have services withdrawn.  Similarly, health does not typically develop day services for its clients.  So, what of the service users whose needs are too complex for social services to meet, but are not so severe as to come under health jurisdiction?  Surely, the departments should be working together to ensure that ALL service users receive a service to which they are entitled?