Still stuck in an ATU

It’s tough being in an ATU. There are so many restrictions, even for inpatients just waiting for housing who could be otherwise discharged.

Bedtimes. Medtimes. Meal times. Must wear shoes times. Must be signed out- can’t use a bloody door! Being checked on at night when trying to sleep.

It’s enough to drive a PDAer bloody mad! Luckily the staff at the ATU I’m on have been very open to learning about PDA which is super helpful. Perhaps fortunately, my supported housing has had it’s funding withdrawn by the council, so it is closing and I am once again technically homeless.

We now have a protracted process of working out my needs and what will best meet them. Luckily this time I actually have the autism diagnosis and won’t just be limited to mental health supported housing. I also have a good CPN, who I hope I will be allowed to keep whilst in the community – though some of the local autism supported housing would be outside of his local area. It’s a frustrating system.