Executive Summary: Research Autism Cygnet Mentoring Project

The support requirements of intellectually able adults with autism can be just as nuanced as those for people who have significant learning difficulties/disabilities. Intellectual ability can often mask this, leaving individuals without the backup they require in order to thrive. At the 2007 forum ‘Successful Futures for Adults with Autism’ participants’ highlighted challenges around navigating social life, managing practical and financial affairs, accessing education and training opportunities, securing and maintaining employment, and good physical and mental health. Participants deemed existing models of support, often involving being part of a large group, stressful and inadequate. Many expressed preference for a one-to-one relationship (which could then be broadened over time), based on time-limited goal-oriented, specialist mentoring or life coaching.