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Adult Autism Psychological Therapies Service

How our service can help you

The National adult ADHD and ASD Psychology Service is an outpatient team based at the Maudsley Hospital.

The team is part of the Trust's specialist adult neurodevelopmental pathways which includes the National Autism Unit and the Autism Assessment and Behavioural Genetics Clinic, who have over 20 years of experience in the development and delivery of diagnostic assessments and specially adapted interventions/therapies for adults on the autism spectrum. The team is made up of Clinical Psychologists and specialist Cognitive Behavioural Therapists.

Over the years the team have developed specialist skills in adapting psychological interventions to work with adults with autism and ADHD, who may also have additional mental health difficulties. The team offer assessment, formulation and person centred interventions, primarily time limited individual therapy. A group option is also available to enhance self-management of difficulties associated with ADHD. For people with complex presenting problems, the service may offer psychological assessment and recommendations for appropriate input.

**We are not currently offering face to face appointments to ensure the safety of patients and staff. Appointments are being offered virtually. For patients who are unable to take part in a virtual appointment, please be assured you will remain on our waiting list until it is safe to resume face to face appointments.**

  • Service Type: Adult Mental Health Service (National) Service Borough Covers: National (Adult services) Treatment type: Outpatients
  • Contact the service

    Site Location: Maudsley Hospital Email: adhdasdadmin@slam.nhs.uk Fax Number: 020 3228 6791
  • Address: Maudsley Hospital
    Denmark Hill
    ,
    London,
    ,
    SE5 8AZ
  • Business Hours/Visiting Hours: Monday- Friday 9am -5pm. Not open during bank holidays
  • Other essential information

  • Conditions: Anxiety, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Autism, Bipolar disorder, Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), Childhood degenerative disorders, Conduct disorder, Depression, Dissociative disorders, Eating disorders, Learning disabilities, Neuropsychiatry, Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), Perinatal disorders, Persistent physical symptoms, Personality disorders, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Psychosexual, Psychosis, Self-harm

Eligibility criteria

  • Male only (please contact us to discuss the needs of transgender or gender dysphoric patients).
  • 18 years and over (referrals for CAMHS transitional patients accepted for assessment from 17 years 6 months).
  • Patients may be informal or detained under the Mental Health Act.
  • Diagnosed or suspected neurodevelopmental disorder including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and pervasive developmental disorder (PDD).
  • Emotional problems or severe and enduring mental health problems in the context of ASD. Frequent presentations we work with include anxiety disorders such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or psychosis.
  • Referrals from the criminal justice system in conjunction with NHS funding and after-care.
  • Local services must remain involved throughout the admission and work collaboratively to source and commission appropriate aftercare.

 

Interventions

The NAU operates a three-stage treatment model:

Stage 1: 12 week Assessment 

Key tasks are: 

  • Physical health assessment 
  • ICD-10 diagnostic confirmation 
  • Specialist risk assessment 
  • Communication assessment 
  • Functional behavioural assessment 
  • ADL assessment & MOHOST 
  • Community Assessment 
  • Psychometric assessment 
  • Cognitive assessment 
  • Psychological assessment and formulation 
  • Treatability assessment 

Stage 2: Treatment 

Key tasks are: 

  • Pharmacological optimisation 
  • Maximise functional ability including ADLs 
  • Develop communication strategy 
  • Optimise positive behavioural support strategy 
  • Address symptoms psychologically using a range of psychological therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy adapted to meet the needs of people with ASDs and develop resilience 
  • Family support and therapy if indicated 
  • Psycho-education/group work 
  • Social skills training 
  • Reduce and manage risk 

Stage 3: Transition 

Key tasks are: 

  • Identify and articulate aftercare needs 
  • Develop placement profile (where appropriate) 
  • Prepare patient for transition 
  • Relapse prevention work 
  • Share Positive Behavioural Support Plan 
  • Share communication passport 
  • Co-working period if possible 

Patients are supported under the Care Programme Approach. The first CPA is held at the 12-week point to review the outcomes of the assessment period. If a further period of treatment is indicated, specific treatment goals are set and a mutually agreed timeframe for the treatment stage is established. 

Patients have access to the full range of Occupational Therapy services available at the Bethlem Royal Hospital site in addition to groups organised directly on the NAU. A Rolling programme of activities available on the unit includes, Self-Identity Group, Compassion Focused Therapy Group, Psychotherapy, Family Support Group, Art Psychotherapy Group, Men’s Group, Pets As Therapy (PAT) Dog Walking Group, Cooking Group, Gym, Relaxation Group, Social Skills Group, and Open Sports Group.

Outcomes

  • Optimum function and quality of life for the person
  • Identifying the level of care required for successful future placements
  • Development of a placement profile, with recommendations about accommodation, staffing needs, continuing psychiatric and psychological treatment and support
  • Discharge planning with the referrer
  • If appropriate, arrangements may be made with local services for further service developments, staff training and ongoing support via the outreach service
  • Final discharge planning meets Section 117 Mental Health Act requirements
  • Effectiveness audit of our interventions using standard and individual measures

The service works closely to discharge those admitted to our service back to their own home or community placement, even though 50% are admitted from hospital or through the criminal justice system.

Referrals

  • Clinical appropriateness for inpatient treatment is determined at the initial assessment, with all referrals assessed prior to admission
  • All outpatient referrals are considered based on presentation
  • Male patients only no female patients accepted

Administration Address

 Bethlem Royal Hospital
 1st Floor Monks Orchard House
 Monks Orchard Road
 Beckenham, Kent
 BR3 3BX

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