Prevention

Early Prevention and early intervention of worsening mental health problems from emotion dysregulation. We will take a proactive approach to holistic need and risk as opposed to reactive to need and risk. Preventative approaches are part of EDA, averting crisis’ and stopping further problems from developing later in life, leading to limitations and improving recovery outcomes and patient experience . This is why a youth 12-25 model is being implemented.

Trauma Informed

Trauma informed. We take a trauma-informed approach to the charity, acknowledging unconscious biases, privilege. We are aware of the iatrogenic harm caused by statutory health services who impose systemic trauma to children and young people with autism, diagnosed or undiagnosed, with the knowledge that the diagnostic process and post-interventions can be incredibly distressing and traumatic. We acknowledge the trauma spectrum, especially for marginalised demographics, such as those who identify as LGBTQ, young people of diverse ethnic backgrounds, different levels of ability. We are particularly knowledgeable about the co-morbidity of complex trauma and emotion dysregulation disorders such as personality disorder that accompanies and overlaps with autism.

Identity

Autism as an Identity not disorder. Autism is part of who someone is, and we take a compassionate approach to the difficulties an autistic young person faces moving towards more inclusive language when thinking about autism. It does not mean there is something inherently wrong with autistic individuals, rather there is an additional need. We are an autism-led charity for autistic communities, we do not set out to treat autism. We set out to support young people to become independent and self-sustainable, allowing them to continue building a life worth living.

Strength

Strength based as opposed to deficit-based. Most autistic services focus on the deficits of skills exhibited by autistics and what lacks in socialisation and imagination, as opposed reframing to what the strengths are. Instead of “rigid, black and white thinking” we can call this “determination, drive and boundaries”.

Saftey

Safety and stabilisation of problematic behaviours or risk is a paramount aspect of EDA’s ongoings. EDA supports vulnerable young people and so carrying risk is very high on the agenda. All EDA personnel will undergo enhanced DBS checks and rigorous interview processes to ensure young people’s safety.

Consistency

Consistency. Most mental health services are going through transformation work where brief clinical interventions are prioritised over long term engagement in the community. EDA prides itself in being able to carry out interventions and vital relationships for the long term, thus plugging the gap that mainstream services are unable to provide.

Choice

Choice in care will be a key entitlement for young people in the charity. This is not a service imposed on young people, they can choose to come here. They have freedom to speak to who they want to speak to and what they want their care to look like. This is a young person’s story, we just tell them how to use the pen to write it. Everything will be co-produced and co-designed with young peoples best interests in mind. It is an invitation for young people to express their needs and wishes, we will never stand in the way of what a young person wants, unlike most statutory health services.