Service Approach

The service aims to overcome or compensate for the disabling effects of autistic spectrum disorders by addressing those deficits known as the "Triad of Impairments" (Wing, L. & Gould, J 1979), i.e. deficits of imagination, communication and social skills. Approaches will also address any associated disabilities as part of the programme plan. In addition to autistic spectrum disorders, many of our service users have other disabilities. These may include sensory impairments, seizure disorder or physical disability. Wherever possible, a suitable individual programme is designed.

Values

In recognising that its service delivery and other activities should be based on clear and explicit values S.C.C.T. has expressed these in its statement of values.

Statement of Values

S.C.C.T. believes that each of the following values should underpin all its activities:

• People with autistic spectrum disorders should be afforded the full respect, dignity, rights and value of citizenship contained within the Statement of Rights and the services provided for them should be founded upon equality and an anti-discriminatory approach.
  
• The potential for development of people with autistic spectrum disorders should be recognised, whilst taking into account their vulnerability. Their needs should be met with empathy, in the least restrictive environment feasible.
  
• People with autistic spectrum disorders should receive services and support appropriate to their individual needs throughout their lives. A range of services should be available so that through the promotion of self-advocacy individual preferences can be identified and met.
  
• Services should be based on a commitment to quality and regularly monitored, evaluated, re-assessed and developed.
  
• S.C.C.T. is committed to the continued improvement of knowledge and practice in recognising, understanding and meeting the needs of people with autistic spectrum disorders, their families/carers.
  
• The needs of people with autistic spectrum disorders and the means by which they are met should be positively promoted through effective communication, consultation, public relations and the broad implementation of the Equal Opportunities Policy.
  
• The main assets of S.C.C.T. are its members and staff, and support and development of staff will be given a high priority.
  
• S.C.C.T. recognises that it is accountable to its users and that the interests of people with autistic spectrum disorders are paramount.
  

Care Principles - Service Delivery Process

Individualised and specific programmes will be designed to address all aspects of development, satisfaction with life, health and fitness and interventions.

The service will be organised in such a way as to facilitate appropriate support to each individual.

Programmes will recognise the Triad of Impairments - Imagination, Communication, Social Skills.

Services will be based on a formalised contract with sponsoring agencies.

Care Planning will be conducted on an individual basis. This will reflect disability, needs, age, views and wishes. Such planning will also involve the supporters of each individual, i.e. family, friends or advocates. A programme of support will be devised that, wherever appropriate, involves the service user to actively address specific areas of disability and to work towards the service aim of the achievement of a full life. Formal reviews of progress and plans are held at least annually and include the service user, their supporter and the sponsoring agency.

The Service will provide a key worker to take specific responsibility for the implementation of care plans. The key worker’s duties will include liaison with the placing authority's social worker/care manager, maintaining links with relatives and the resident’s home community and arranging reviews. Reviews of care plans will be carried out on a regular basis and a representative of the sponsoring agency will be invited to attend at least one review during the year. Adequate records will be maintained containing the individual care plan, copies of reviews and relevant personal details of the client and his/her day-to-day support. The resident’s records will be maintained in a confidential manner and will be made available to the client in accordance with the Access to Personal Files Act 1989.

Service Users

The service is geared to the needs of adults with autistic spectrum disorders and related conditions. It is our aim to intervene actively in the disabling effects of autistic spectrum disorders by reducing anxiety, providing compensatory strategies and assisting in learning, rather than providing an environment which simply colludes with the disability by failing to provide challenges. In this context, it is essential that staff are trained in understanding autistic spectrum disorders and applying their understanding of the Triad of Impairments to real situations. It is essential that a thorough assessment of individual needs is made before placement. Adjustments can be made to individual programmes to cater for most levels of disability but there may be instances when, due to the nature of a particular service, it is not in the interests of the person to be placed.

Referrals, Assessment and Selection

Referrals are welcomed from any agency or source, however priority will be given to those referred by the Local Social Service Department/NHS trust. Referrals to the Service should be made directly to the Executive Director and should include recent assessment and any relevant background information.

Staff will then visit the person referred in their current placement for a period of observation and assessment in order to evaluate the suitability of a placement. Prospective service users, their families, and carers will be encouraged to visit the service. Residents, and where appropriate relatives, will be provided with information about services as required.

Should funding be confirmed and a placement offered, the first six months will be regarded as a trial period when the resident will be familiarised with the service, staff and other residents. During this period staff within the service will carry out a continuous assessment and any adjustment to the initial support package will be considered. The review will include the resident, relatives and staff involved with the resident’s care. During this period, regular, formal reviews are held before the admission is formally confirmed. A satisfactory review will normally lead to confirmation of the placement.

Development

It is our aim to assist each service user in the development of skills that will enable their full participation in the life of the immediate and wider community and to develop competence in areas that will enhance the ability for self-determination and acceptance.

Leisure

We encourage the development of a wide range of leisure interests and by providing experience we can widen opportunities for informed decision making. As one aspect of autism is a narrowing of interests and emphasis on routine, it is essential that this be addressed.

Health Needs

A healthy, balanced diet is an essential pre-requisite for a good service. Menus that reflect dietary needs are planned involving the residents wherever possible. Monitoring of intake of fats, sugar and additives is undertaken. Vegetarian diets and those that reflect the cultural racial background of service users are available.

Service users are encouraged to take regular exercise as part of the lifestyle of the service.
Staff are not permitted to smoke in any S.C.C.T. building but the service will consider special arrangements for those users who choose to smoke, having regard to the interest of other users and staff.

Medical Care

Each person is registered with the local primary health care service. Access to more specialised medical intervention is usually via this route although S.C.C.T. has access to specialist expertise in Psychiatry, Psychology, Behavioural Management and other paramedical services via the local C.L.D.T.

Medical needs, particularly medication, are kept under close and regular review. Medication will be stored, administered and controlled in accordance with the requirements of the registering authority.

Finances

The Service will comply with Local Social Services Guidelines, as appropriate, with respect to residents’ monies and security of monies.

Possessions

A space will be provided to enable residents to bring some of their own furniture or personal belongings with them. A record will be kept of all items of furniture or personal belongings brought in by residents.

Other Support

S.C.C.T. encourage service users to develop feelings of security and to form relationships with others in the immediate and the extended community. We encourage involvement of families in the support of their family member and seek to involve them in discussions concerning the welfare of the service user. It must be borne in mind, however, that in so doing the needs and wishes of the service user are paramount. Where there is possible conflict, this would be fully discussed.