We read with interest the January edition of Archives containing three thought-provoking articles on the autistic spectrum. The article by Harrison et al, 1 which described the two source ''capture recapture'' technique as a means of determining ''true'' prevalence, provided an enlightened alternative to using conventional, ''passive'' ascertainment of point prevalence. We conducted an 18-month retrospective audit of our social communication clinic for children in Enfield. The primary aim was to compare our clinic with the recommendations set by the National Autism Plan 2 ; however, it also raised issues on:

AbstractsMethods All parents participating in the ToP programme were asked to fill in two questionnaires at the end of the intervention: the Measure of Processes of Care (MPOC-20), a measure of parental perception of the extent to which the services they received were family-centered and a questionnaire on the satisfaction of the parents with the ToP programme. Results From the 124 parents who completed the intervention, 74 returned the questionnaires (60%). Children had a mean (SD) birthweight of 1287 (377) grams and a mean (SD) gestational age of 29.8 (2.6) weeks. Mean age (SD) of mothers at birth was 31.5 (5.2) years. The mean (SD) domain scores (scale 1-7) of the MPOC were high and ranged from 5.5 (1.4) for providing specific information to 6.3 (0.5) for coordinated and comprehensive care. Even though 27% reported not to have known what to expect from the intervention, the parents rated the ToP programme a mean (SD) of 9.0 (1.0) on a scale from 0-10. Parents were positive about the knowledge of the therapist, the suggestions they received, and the number of visits (mean (SD) 9.3 (2.0)). Conclusions Parents were very positive about the ToP programme. It was perceived as respectful, supportive, and well coordinated. CAN CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES BE TRANSPORTED SAFELY? THE CHALLENGE AND SOLUTIONS

Background Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) affects two in 100 Cameroonian newborns, with 50%-90% of affected children dying before their fifth birthday. Despite this burden, there is no national SCD programme in Cameroon. This study aimed to assess parents' and physicians' knowledge of SCD, their satisfaction with the quality of care and their recommendations to improve the treatment of SCD in Cameroon. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using structured questionnaires in English, and French, distributed in an electronic format to physicians throughout Cameroon. Paperbased questionnaires were also administered to parents in the West and North West regions of Cameroon. Data were entered into Microsoft Excel and analysed using the SPSS statistical package. Results Fifty-four parents and 205 physicians were recruited. 72.2% of parents had good knowledge of SCD, 72.2% of parents were satisfied with the quality of care. Attending a sickle cell clinic (AOR 22, 95% CI 17.70-250) was significantly associated with having good knowledge. 14.2% of physicians had good knowledge, 23.3% of physicians were satisfied with the management of SCD. Seeing more than five patients per month (AOR 3.17, 95% CI 1.23-8.20) was significantly associated with having good knowledge. Sickle cell clinics, national guidelines and subsidised treatment were the top three measures proposed by physicians and parents to improve the management of SCD in Cameroon. Conclusion Knowledge of SCD and satisfaction with care were poor among Cameroonian physicians. There is a need for a national programme and a comprehensive system of care for SCD in Cameroon.Background In 2013, NICE published Quality Standards (2013) for Looked-after Children (LAC) and Young People outlining key priority areas for service development. Following this, Department of Health introduced statutory guidance entitled 'Promoting the Health and Wellbeing of Looked After Children' which places emphasis on timely health assessments. The challenge for all LAC services is to deliver these timely assessments without compromising on quality. Aim To measure the quality of health assessments against the NICE Quality Standards whilst trying to work within statutory time frames. Methods Over 1 month period, 33 children and young people (CYP) who had completed their LAC assessments, were asked for their feedback through a user-feedback form which was developed using health-related indicators from the Quality Standards. Children and young people (CYP) were encouraged to fill in the survey soon after their health assesment either on their own or with assistance of carer. Results With regards to venue of appointments, 91% (30/33) of health assessments were done in community clinics and 6% were home visits and 3% were at school. 97% (32/33) reported date was convinient, 82 percent felt time and 88% felt venue of appointment was convinient for them. All children rated their recent health assessment as being excellent, very good or good. Ninety percent (18/20) of over-5's reported that they were g...