Just starting to get my teeth into this Mental Health Consultation, part of which there is a huge Code of Practice Document that has relevance to this consultation and Chapter 20 covers people with Learning Disabilities and Autism and I came across this little gem: Autistic spectrum conditions 20.32 The Act’s definition of mental disorder includes the full range of autistic spectrum conditions, including those existing alongside a learning disability or any other kind of mental conditions. While it is possible for someone on the autistic spectrum to meet the criteria in the Act for detention and treatment without having any other form of mental conditions, even if it is not associated with abnormally aggressive or seriously irresponsible behaviour, this is likely to happen only very rarely. Compulsory treatment in a hospital setting is rarely likely to be helpful for a person with autism, who may be very distressed by even minor changes in routine and is likely to find detention in hospital anxiety provoking. Sensitive, person-centred support in a familiar setting will usually be more helpful. Wherever possible, less restrictive alternative ways of providing the treatment or supporting a person should be found. The specialist expertise and skills of staff should be regularly audited, particularly the ability to recognise social needs as well as health ones, specialist communication skills, and identify a range of care options.
Posted on: Mon, 18 Aug 2014 08:15:27 +0000
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