scholarly journals Experience of transfer from child to adult mental health services of young people with autism spectrum disorder

BJPsych Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah Merrick ◽  
Chris King ◽  
Helen McConachie ◽  
Jeremy R. Parr ◽  
Ann Le Couteur
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Young People ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Adult Mental Health

Background Transition from child-centred to adult mental health services has been reported as challenging for young people. It can be especially difficult for young people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as they manage the challenges of adolescence and navigate leaving child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). Aims This study examines the predictors of transfer to adult mental health services, and using a qualitative analysis, explores the young people’s experiences of transition. Method A UK sample of 118 young people aged 14–21 years, with ASD and additional mental health problems, recruited from four National Health Service trusts were followed up every 12 months over 3 years, as they were discharged from CAMHS. Measures of mental health and rich additional contextual information (clinical, family, social, educational) were used to capture their experiences. Regression and framework analyses were used. Results Regression analysis showed having an attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnosis and taking medication were predictors of transfer from child to adult mental health services. Several features of young people's transition experience were found to be associated with positive outcomes and ongoing problems, including family factors, education transitions and levels of engagement with services. Conclusions The findings show the importance of monitoring and identifying those young people that might be particularly at risk of negative outcomes and crisis presentations. Although some young people were able to successfully manage their mental health following discharge from CAMHS, others reported levels of unmet need and negative experiences of transition.

Autistic spectrum disorder without intellectual impairment in adult mental health services – fostering new perspectives and enhancing existing services

2018 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
N. Crowley ◽  
H. O’Connell ◽  
M. Gervin
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Autistic Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Intellectual Impairment ◽  
Autistic Spectrum ◽  
Adult Mental Health

Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neuro-developmental disability with multi-systemic impacts. Individuals with ASD without intellectual impairment (DSM-V) or Aspergers (DSM-IV) are often particularly vulnerable to mental health problems such as anxiety disorders including social phobia and generalised anxiety disorder, depressive disorders and psychosis. Adults with ASD without intellectual impairment suffer higher rates of physical and psychiatric morbidity, display a poorer ability to engage with treatment and have a lower chance of recovery compared with the general population. It is widely acknowledged that adults with suspected ASD without intellectual impairment and co-morbid mental health problems are often not best supported through adult mental health services and often require more tailored supports. This review seeks to (a) increase awareness in the area of undiagnosed cases of ASD without intellectual impairment in adult mental health settings and (b) highlights the importance of identifying this population more efficiently by referring to best practice guidelines. The value of future research to examine the benefit of having a team of specialist staff within adult mental health teams who have received ASD training and who are supported to work with the ‘core difficulties’ of ASD is discussed and a model for the same is proposed. It is proposed that a specialist team could form a ‘hub’ for the development of expertise in ASD, which when adequately resourced and funded could reach across an entire region, offering consultancy and diagnostic assessments and interventions.

scholarly journals Challenges during the transition from child and adolescent mental health services to adult mental health services

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 163-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaelle Hendrickx ◽  
Veronique De Roeck ◽  
Athanasios Maras ◽  
Gwen Dieleman ◽  
Suzanne Gerritsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Young People ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Transition Process ◽  
Child And Adolescent ◽  
Smooth Transition ◽  
Adult Mental Health

The transition from child and adolescent to adult mental health services for young people with mental health problems is of international concern. Despite the high prevalence of mental disorders during adolescence and their tendency to continue during adulthood, the majority of young people do not experience continuity of care. The aim of this review paper is to unravel the complexity of transitional mental healthcare to clinicians, policy makers and mental health service managers, and to address challenges to a smooth transition process at all levels.

scholarly journals Gender Differences in Misdiagnosis and Delayed Diagnosis among Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder with No Language or Intellectual Disability

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 912
Author(s):  
Camilla Gesi ◽  
Giovanni Migliarese ◽  
Sara Torriero ◽  
Martina Capellazzi ◽  
Anna Caterina Omboni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Diagnostic Delay ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Verbal Communication ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Age At Diagnosis ◽  
Specific Information

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is often unrecognized, especially in mild forms and in women. Studies evaluating features associated with missed/misdiagnosis in men and women with ASD are warranted. 61 subjects (22 females, 39 males, age 28.5 ± 10.8 years) with ASD with no language/intellectual deficit were enrolled in the service for the treatment of psychiatric comorbidities in adults with ASD of the ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco in Milan (Italy). A detailed clinical history was gathered, and two self-report questionnaires (Autism Spectrum Quotient-AQ and Adult Autism Subthreshold Spectrum-AdAS Spectrum) were administered. 75.4% received their ASD diagnosis average eight years later than the first evaluation by mental health services. Compared to males, females showed a significantly greater delay in referral to mental health services and a significantly higher age at diagnosis of ASD. Among men, diagnostic delay inversely correlated with scores on the AdAS Spectrum total, Verbal communication, Empathy and Inflexibility and adherence to routine domains. Among women, diagnostic delay positively correlated with the Attention to detail score while the age at diagnosis of ASD positively correlated with the AdAS Spectrum Verbal communication and Restricted interests and rumination domain scores. Females were less likely to be correctly diagnosed and more likely to be misdiagnosed at first evaluation than men. Females reported significantly higher scores than men in the Hyper/Hyporeactivity to sensory input domain only among subjects who were misdiagnosed. Our findings provide gender-specific information about ASD patients seeking help for comorbid conditions and might be a primary ground for future research.

scholarly journals Mental Health Services for Individuals with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johanna K. Lake ◽  
Andrea Perry ◽  
Yona Lunsky
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
High Functioning Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Service Needs ◽  
High Functioning ◽  
Adolescents And Adults

Adolescents and adults with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who do not have an intellectual impairment or disability (ID), described here as individuals with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (HFASD), represent a complex and underserved psychiatric population. While there is an emerging literature on the mental health needs of children with ASD with normal intelligence, we know less about these issues in adults. Of the few studies of adolescents and adults with HFASD completed to date, findings suggest that they face a multitude of cooccurring psychiatric (e.g., anxiety, depression), psychosocial, and functional issues, all of which occur in addition to their ASD symptomatology. Despite this, traditional mental health services and supports are falling short of meeting the needs of these adults. This review highlights the service needs and the corresponding gaps in care for this population. It also provides an overview of the literature on psychiatric risk factors, identifies areas requiring further study, and makes recommendations for how existing mental health services could include adults with HFASD.

A case of mistaken diagnoses: diagnostic and management challenges in a case of adult autism spectrum disorder

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Alexander ◽  
N. Farrelly
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Supportive Therapy ◽  
Community Mental Health Services ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Successful Outcome

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is frequently identified in children but is often unrecognised in adults. ASD is characterised by difficulties in social interaction, communication and restricted interests, but other presentations are common, especially in adults. This report describes a 34-year-old man with a history of multiple psychiatric diagnoses including generalised anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder and panic disorder. He was diagnosed with ASD in his early 30s and engaged in a targeted treatment plan, including rationalisation of medications, supportive therapy and occupational therapy, which successfully facilitated discharge from mental health services. This case illustrates the atypical presentation of ASD in adults, which is diagnostically challenging. Such cases often present to community mental health services and may be misdiagnosed as treatment resistant cases of depressive, anxiety or personality disorders. Accurate diagnosis and targeted management is more likely to yield a successful outcome.

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