By Mark Neary, posted in BBC News Ouch Blog – July 24, 2013
My son Steven is 23. He has autism and other learning difficulties. And the language of the social care system seems to make his life sound even less “normal” than it is.
The adult social care world is about many things, but one thing that I feel it’s not about is care. The language seems to mislead you right from the start. Processes seem to come before people in a system of impenetrable management where money is the biggest consideration.
Day centres are closed down. Although you may have considered them a helpful lifeline, this closure is not a negative thing because it’s been done to promote independence.
…Here are 10 jargon phrases I jotted down on the back of a beer mat, the kind of things which make Steven’s life sound even less “normal”:
1. I live in my home. Steven’s current placement is in the family home.
2. When I make a pizza, I’m making a pizza. When Steven makes a pizza, he’s increasing his independence skills (as overseen by an occupational therapist).
3. If I cry, I’m sad about something. If Steven cries, it is logged and analysed by the psychologist and positive behaviour team.
4. If I shout or swear, I’m angry about something. If Steven shouts or swears, it is challenging behaviour and new behaviour management plans need to be drawn up.
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