Autism acceptance: 'Island has come far, but there's still a way to go'

Picture credit: Department of Health and Social Care 

People living with the condition say more can be done to support adults

April marks Autism Acceptance Month and while 'things are getting better' on the Island, there's still more that can be done in terms of awareness.

That's the view of two people with the condition - Jade Boylan and Matt Quine - who're both lay members on the Autism Spectrum Condition Strategy Steering Group.

It's a 10 year initiative, set up in 2024, which set out goals and actions to support the aim of becoming an ASC-friendly island.

"There's not really any support at all for autistic adults. So, if you think you might be autistic, you can't yet access any kind of diagnosis pathway."

Jade and Matt have been speaking to Manx Radio:

However, they acknowledge that day-to-day life is getting easier for people living with the condition:

The first week of the month focussed on health and wellbeing and Jade and Matt are both creative, as they are active in art and music respectively. 

Jade explains why outlets are essential:

 

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