Recognising behaviour as distress in practice: a discussion paper

Abstract

This discussion paper focusses on the current social care response to behaviour which challenges in autistic people and the persistent issue of the inappropriate detention of autistic people in institutional care settings. We argue that current approaches have been largely ineffective in reducing the number of autistic people in inpatient settings, and, more widely, ad preventing placement breakdown and reducing the use of restraint. We analyse the problem from an autistic perspective and consider how the problem can be productively reframed. We propose, as have others, a rights-based approach to care which focusses on quality of life. We analyse the problem from an autistic perspective and consider how the problem can be productively reframed. Also available from: https://nationalautistictaskforce.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/NAT-SfC-Discussion-Paper-Final.pdf