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Assessing the complexity of adult ASD cases across three areas in Southern England: a service evaluation

Raja A.S. Mukherjee (Adult Neurodevelopmental Services, Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Epsom, UK.)
Minahil Nawaz (Adult Neurodevelopmental Services, Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Epsom, UK.)
Terry Joseph (Adult Neurodevelopmental Services, Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Epsom, UK.)

Advances in Autism

ISSN: 2056-3868

Article publication date: 2 January 2018

247

Abstract

Purpose

Over the last few years increasing numbers of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) services have been established across the country. The different services use varying models and the level of complexity seen in each is unclear. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to facilitate the development of the next phase of service provision the three geographical areas covered by SABP ASD services were compared. Modified Global Assessment of Functioning (mGAF) scores were calculated for 75 patients from each area before being compared across various domains to identify the complexities in each area covered.

Findings

Overall high levels of complexity were seen, with 85 per cent presenting with a serious or major functional difficulty based on, mGAF scores.

Originality/value

This has planning implications both for commissioners and future service development as previously not identified at a time when services are continuing to expand.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

Many thanks to the three ASD practitioners in the team Howard Childs, Joy Bagshaw and Glen Jordan for confirming local area diagnostic rates.

Citation

Mukherjee, R.A.S., Nawaz, M. and Joseph, T. (2018), "Assessing the complexity of adult ASD cases across three areas in Southern England: a service evaluation", Advances in Autism, Vol. 4 No. 1, pp. 2-9. https://doi.org/10.1108/AIA-09-2017-0020

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited

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