Hi, I am autistic and receive support from local support organisations and have prescribed care needs. I am what is often classified as an 'Adult at Risk' under safeguarding procedures. Sometimes the term 'vulnerable adult' is also used.

Children and vulnerable adults are protected by legislation under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act (SVGA) 2006. This protection is needed for immigrants and international students orienting to UK.

As I could not easily integrate socially with peers of my nationality I found social acceptance amongst international students during my PhD studies. Eventually I became part of an International church where I became an autism awareness and safeguarding activist. It came to our attention that newly arriving international students and immigrants would face similar problems that I faced trying to interact socially. Without strong social connection, we are left vulnerable to abuse as the reporting lines are unclear.

Autistic adults are recognised as vulnerable and thus the legal system is in place to protect them. I am petitioning for immigrants and international students to be given the same legal protection that autistic adults such as myself enjoy. Specifically that these people are recognised as vulnerable during an orientation period. With the current issues going on in the world (Hongkong, Ukraine, Gaza, ...) more immigrants can be expected. Now is the time to act to see that these people are protected from abuse.