Transcript Background

The Liverpool Asperger Team
Chris Austin, Andrew Barlow
& Stuart Clensy
Liverpool Asperger Team
April 2008
Background
• High profile people with complex
needs
• Problem of mental health v learning
disabilities
• Demands on clinical services
• Public raising of the needs of people
with Asperger Syndrome in the city
History of the team
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1999 increased referrals
Cross agency meetings
2001 steering group formalised
Research project
Consultation meetings
User and carer involvement
2002 finalisation of structure
DISCO training
Funding
Manager
2003 Recruitment
And also…
• Registrars doing elective placement
(currently do not have one on placement).
• Trainee Psychologist (carrying out
research)
What do we offer ?
• Assessment and diagnosis
• Person centred approach
• Specialist knowledge , information and
advice
• Awareness training
• Clinical interventions – either from the
team or the Managed Care Pathway
Eligibility
• Age 18 years of age
• 16-18 year olds , dependent on individual
need
• Resident in Liverpool , or registered with a
Liverpool GP
• A diagnosis of Asperger syndrome,
according to Gillberg’s or ICD 10
classification
Managed Care Pathway
SPECIALIST SERVICES
 CRIMINAL JUSTICE
 MENTAL HEALTH
 ALCOHOL &
SUBSTANCE MISUSE
EDUCATION
 FURTHER & HIGHER
EDUCATION
 SPECIALIST PROVISION
ASPERGER SYNDROME –
SPECIFIC
MULTI DISCIPLINARY TEAM
VOLUNTARY / NON
STATUTORY
AGENCIES
CENTRAL POINT OF ACCESS FOR
ASSESSMENT & DIAGNOSIS
SERVICE USER /
CARER GROUPS
CO-ORDINATING ROLE WITHIN
NETWORK
SOCIAL SERVICES
 SUPPORTED HOUSING
 DAY CARE SERVICES
EMPLOYMENT
 SUPPORT INTO
MAINSTREAM
EMPLOYMENT
 ACCESS TO SPECIALIST
PROVISION
Of 407 referrals so far ………….
• 245 have had full assessment
• 108 have not been assessed
• 54 are in progress
• 296 were male
• 111 were female
• 17 have children
(As of Oct’ 2007)
The MDT Operation
• All professional team members are or will be DISCO assessors.
• Nurse – behavioural approach
• Social Worker – Care brokerage
• Psychology – Psychological therapies (solution Focused Therapy,
for e.g.), multiple assessment and Psychometrics, lead for evidence
based practice / ongoing research projects.
• Support Workers – hands on needs led support as assessed by the
above and demonstration of care packages for brokerage.
• All work person centred and take on liaison with other agencies and
most importantly with each other. Being in the same office makes
this much easier.
Common Themes identified
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Supported Housing
Relationships
Work / Meaningful occupation
Identity
Advocacy and ‘interpretation’
Non compliance due to ‘social phobia’ or
denial of needs or diagnosis (if from
childhood).
• Carers needs and support.
• Support with home management.
What’s worked well
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Service user involvement
Support for carers
“An Asperger Life” DVD
Flexibility of staff
Groups
Research
Planning and reflection
Full time members of the team
Psycho-social model
Gaps in service
• No specific Sheltered Housing scheme
locally for people with AS.
• No coherent Community Care budget or
access to it for people with AS.
• No specific centre based service for
people with AS (controversial!).
• No RMO attached to Liverpool Asperger
Team.
• No specialist employment advisers.
The future
• People living in safe sheltered housing
• Employers recognising and accommodating
people with Asperger syndrome and recognising
their own needs for support in the work place.
• A place to go and socialise which is safe,
predictable, secure and undemanding.
• Easy access to support and Psychiatry if
needed.
• Post Code lottery
Come to our conference,
“The Liverpool Asperger Team
five years on”
21 -08-08
at Aintree Race Course
Liverpool