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STOMP (Stopping Over-Medication of People with a Learning Disability and Autistic People) has been a key component of NHS England’s initiative to reduce the unnecessary use of psychotropic medications. Research shows that individuals with a learning disability are 16 times more likely, and those with autism 7 times more likely, to be prescribed antipsychotic medication compared to the general population. These medications can have significant side effects, including sedation, weight gain, increased risk of diabetes, hormonal changes, and sexual dysfunction—all of which can negatively affect quality of life.  

Author — Mike Bloodworth

In the demanding environments of health and social care, establishing clear professional boundaries is not just good practice, it's essential. Professional boundaries are the invisible lines that define appropriate interactions and expectations between ourselves and our colleagues. 

Did you know that people with learning disabilities are 10 times more likely to have a serious problem with their eyes? Despite this, we know that often people don’t get access to the eye care they need. People with learning disabilities are more likely to have avoidable sight loss because they haven’t had an eye test and so have missed out on the glasses or the eye treatment that they need.

Building a truly inclusive workplace means understanding and supporting the diverse needs of your employees, including those who are autistic. While progress is being made, there's still a long way to go. This blog aims to shed light on the challenges autistic individuals face in employment and offer practical strategies for fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.