Developing a model for mental health services for children and young people with intellectual disability and/or autism in North West England

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to improve community care for people with intellectual disabilities (ID) and/or autism. Lack of coordination between agencies leads to children and young people with the most complex needs falling between services. The North West Operational Delivery Network (ODN) for learning disability and autism set out to develop a model of care for mental health services for children and young people with ID and/or autism in North West England that would improve coordination between services and lead to better community care. Design/methodology/approach The ODN held a series of good practice events and consultations with stakeholders in North West England to look at gaps in service provision, national guidelines and agree on a pathway for services. Findings The ODN decided to use the THRIVE framework as the basis for a specific model of care. Interventions were mapped against the THRIVE groupings, including pathways and team specifications for assessment and support for children with autism, and models for child and adolescent mental health service support for ID and/or autism, for keeping children and young people with behaviour that challenges in the community and transition. Originality/value This model aims to provide the North West England region with a clear multi-agency approach for supporting the needs of this population and supports multi-agency commissioning, gap analysis, earlier intervention and improving health outcomes for this population.

Can the “Current View” show that autistic young people referred to mental health services have more comorbidities and complex needs?

“…It is recommended that the adapted “Thrive” model for CYPMH services, developed specifically for autistic young people (Wee et al ., 2021), is adopted to facilitate a multi-agency approach to address the comorbidities and complexities of this population. The focus on health, social care and education working in partnerships to coordinate and plan services to respond effectively to autistic young people, and their families, thereby promoting positive outcomes and reducing health inequalities for this population.…”

“…Supporting young people with autism can be challenging, due not only to their neurodevelopmental needs, but accompanying medical diagnoses and/or other difficulties in their life (Rydzewska et al ., 2018). Wee et al . (2021) suggest that a multiagency approach between mental health, neurodevelopmental, physical health, social care and education services is required for young people with autism to have the best outcomes possible.…”