Embedding Positive Risk-Taking in Autism Support Planning and Review
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Autistic adults frequently disengage from mental health support when services are imposed rather than co-produced. High-quality providers integrate mental health and dual diagnosis frameworks with person-centred planning and strengths-based support to create approaches that are meaningful, trusted and sustainable.
This article explains how co-production is embedded operationally rather than treated as a consultation exercise.
Why co-production matters in autism mental health support
Many autistic adults have experienced services where decisions were made about them, not with them. Co-production restores agency and improves engagement.
Operational Example 1: Co-designing emotional support plans
Context: Mental health plans focus on diagnosis rather than lived experience.
Support approach: Plans are co-produced with the individual using accessible formats.
Day-to-day delivery detail: Staff use visual tools and structured conversations to explore what actually helps during distress.
How effectiveness is evidenced: Increased plan use and reduced refusal of support.
Operational Example 2: Shared decision-making in crisis responses
Context: Crisis interventions escalate anxiety.
Support approach: Crisis responses are pre-agreed through co-production.
Day-to-day delivery detail: Staff follow agreed de-escalation steps rather than improvising under pressure.
How effectiveness is evidenced: Reduced need for emergency interventions.
Operational Example 3: Reviewing support through lived experience feedback
Context: Reviews rely solely on clinical metrics.
Support approach: Lived experience feedback is embedded into review processes.
Day-to-day delivery detail: Reviews explore what feels helpful, harmful or neutral.
How effectiveness is evidenced: Adjustments align more closely with individual wellbeing.
Commissioner and regulator expectations
Commissioner expectation: Commissioners expect evidence of meaningful co-production, not token consultation.
Regulator / Inspector expectation (CQC): Inspectors expect people to be actively involved in decisions affecting their mental health care.
Governance and assurance mechanisms
Providers should audit care plans and reviews for evidence of co-produced decision-making.
Outcomes and impact
Co-produced mental health support leads to stronger engagement, improved trust and more stable outcomes.
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