Lothian Autistic Society

Respite

Lothian Autistic Society (LAS) administers this service for its parent members who have a child or children who have been formally diagnosed on the Autistic Spectrum. It is a voucher-based system which relies on funding obtained by the individual family from their local Social Work Department. The main purpose of this scheme is to provide respite on a flexible basis i.e. when it is most required and does not dictate when it should be used. It is operated in such a way that it is able to meet the needs of the child and the family. The scheme has been operating in its present format for approximately four years and is recognised by the Social Work Departments in the City of Edinburgh, Midlothian and West Lothian.

Who is able to access this service?

Any family who is living in the geographical areas of Midlothian, West Lothian and within the boundaries of the City of Edinburgh who has a child or children who have been formally diagnosed as having an Autistic Spectrum Condition. This includes children who are diagnosed as having Asperger’s Syndrome but not those who have been diagnosed as having Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Who do I contact to get this service?

The family should approach their local Social Work Department to be allocated a social worker that will assess the needs of their child and the family unit. The family will be required to complete a form called a Section 23, which asks about the needs of the child as well as the whole family.

If the family is able to show that there is a need for this type of provision and the social worker is in agreement; he/she will then discuss the family’s requirements with his/her Team Manager who should agree to the funding. Generally, agreement is for a specific time period e.g. 3 months and for approximately 3-4 hours per week.

More information for families and carers interested in the Respite voucher scheme are provided in the following Word document.

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