Page Last updated 09-04-2009
Evidence suggests that it is important to note that intensive, early intervention approaches can be beneficial as there is a general consensus among professionals that early intervention is crucial to helping a child with ASD to reach their potential and to reduce subsequent reliance on services . In particular, approaches combining early diagnosis, housing, independent living, supported living, supervised group living, respite provision, social /recreational /exercise opportunities, employment support, living support, outreach, day provision and services available throughout the week (including evenings and weekends) are useful.
Service models that include guidelines and structures regarding expectations for appropriate and inappropriate behaviour include systems or materials that can help individuals to comprehend and predict the flow and sequence of activities. Models that focus on the development of functional skills, such as language and managing complex situations, can also be beneficial. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Music Therapy, Picture Exchange Communication Systems and Visual Schedule have all been used, with some success, to support adults with ASD.
Social care
Current services commissioned by Newcastle City Council include supported housing, residential care, care-management co-ordination and specialist diagnostic provision.
Newcastle Adult Services with PCT partners is part of the Autism Services Development Group (North of Tyne) whose aim is to ‘…contribute to the development of a regional strategy assisting in highlighting local issues in service to the North East Autism Consortium (NEAC) and to represent the views of key stakeholders…’ This has included a first stage needs analysis which has identified 15 people with autistic spectrum disorders within the ASD Learning Disability (LD) service user population. Further investigation suggests there are 65 adults with ASD known to adults services in Newcastle. People in this group currently access a mixture of mainstream LD and externally commissioned specialist services for autism. As a result of this work, a need for greater differentiation of available responses, and a greater volume of autism specialist services has been identified; which will enable us to facilitate more personalised packages of care. (Source: SAS Spring 2008 p18). More detailed analysis of this data will help to inform a citywide Autism Commissioning Strategy.
Health care
In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in both interest and research into ASD. Notwithstanding this, it remains a complex and constantly developing area in terms of our understanding of the condition and provision to support those with ASD. We are investigating how to gather information on health care services provided to this group.
Robson et al (2008) in analysing PCT expenditure shows the PCT expenditure on learning disability as a whole. In 2006/07, Newcastle PCT spent more per 100,000 population than comparable PCTs.