Profile Tools
Background:
The profile tool is a joint development between Scottish Autism and Pasda. It is the outcome of a project that saw both organisations work in partnership to deliver parent/carer training programmes and ongoing support to parents/carers in the Edinburgh area who have an adult son or daughter on the autism spectrum.
Rationale:
The tool is in two parts, part one captures the parent/carer perspective whilst part two is designed so that individuals on the spectrum can express their view of their skills and abilities and needs.
The tool is designed to be used with the support and guidance of an experienced autism practitioner. The rationale for this is that both organisations recognise that parents and carers have a deep and unique knowledge of their son or daughter. However, we have also learned that by facilitating this process parents and carers are enabled to be more reflective and analytical about the impact of autism on day to day life.
Purpose:
The main purpose of the tool is to provide a structured framework in order to build a realistic profile of an individual, their strengths and support needs. This sort of detailed profile can be very useful when applying for certain benefits or for when services are needed.
It is important to stress that the tool is not an assessment, rather, it provides a means by which a holistic profile can be built up that takes account of skills and abilities and the specific impact of autism. It will also highlight areas where support or development is needed.
Process:
An experienced member of staff from Pasda will arrange to meet with you to complete the profile. This may take the form of an extensive one-off appointment or you may prefer to complete the profile over a few meetings. When part one and two of the profile have been completed our staff member will integrate the information in both parts to develop an executive summary. Key information will also be summarised in visual form e.g. using charts or graphs. Once you are content that the profile is a sufficiently detailed and accurate reflection of the individual concerned the document is then yours. Pasda would appreciate your agreement to completing a follow up evaluation as we are keen to find out the different ways the profile tool is being used to support parents/carers and individuals on the spectrum to identify and articulate their unique range of abilities and needs.
To download the profile Tools document click on the link below