How our service can help you
The National Autism Unit is a specialist inpatient service that
provides assessment and treatment to men with autism spectrum disorder
(ASD) and:
Our multidisciplinary team has expertise in adapting
evidence-based treatment to attend to the needs of individuals on
the Autism spectrum.
- Service Type: Adult Mental Health Services (National) Service Borough Covers: National (Adult services) Treatment type: Inpatient
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Contact the service
Site Location: Bethlem Royal Hospital Phone Number: 020 3228 4106 Fax Number: 020 3228 4183 -
Disabled Access:
Yes
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Address:
Witley House,
Bethlem Royal Hospital
Monks Orchard Road,Beckenham, BR3 3BX -
Business Hours/Visiting Hours:
24 hours
- Conditions: Anxiety, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Autism, Bipolar disorder, Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), Conduct disorder, Dementia, Depression, Dissociative disorders, Eating disorders, Learning disabilities, Neuropsychiatry, Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), Personality disorders, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Psychosis, Self-harm
Other essential information
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.
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.
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
