1834 – The Need For Specialist Service For Offenders With Autistic Spectrum Disorder Within High Secure Psychiatric Care

Abstract

Introduction

There are 3 High Secure Psychiatric Hospitals in United Kingdom. The Autism Act passed in 2009 introduced the Adult Autism Strategy, which sets out how local services should be improved to meet the needs of adults with Autism.

There are specialist services available to care for offenders with Autism in low and medium secure forensic settings but there is a lack of dedicated support in high secure settings.

Objective

The objective was to identify whether current care provided for such patients is appropriate.

Aim

The aim of the audit was to evaluate the need for specialist service for offenders with Autistic Spectrum Disorder within High Secure Psychiatric Care.

Method

The hospital wide secure email system was used to identify wards which had patients with ASD. A questionnaire was developed which explored the clinical practice, willingness and knowledge of the Gold standards of care. It was circulated on the 9 identified wards to the staff on 3 different shifts. 100 completed forms were received which were stored in a secure area.

Results

The results revealed that most of the staff was aware about ASD but majority had not heard about standard approach of care. Majority of the staff were willing to train and work in a dedicated ASD team.

Conclusions

Effort should be made to increase awareness and train the staff to care for offenders with ASD. Work should be done towards accreditation with the National Autistic Society to set up specialist care for ASD patients in High Secure Unit.