1. The Liverpool Asperger Team
Chris Austin, Andrew Barlow & Stuart Clensy
Liverpool Asperger Team
April 2008

3. PAST

4. Background High profile people with complex needs
Problem of mental health v learning disabilities
Demands on clinical services
Public raising of the needs of people with Asperger Syndrome in the city

5. History of the team 1999 increased referrals Cross agency meetings
2001 steering group formalised
Research project
Consultation meetings
User and carer involvement
2002 finalisation of structure
DISCO training
Funding
Manager
2003 Recruitment

6. PRESENT

8. And also…
Registrars doing elective placement (currently do not have one on placement).
Trainee Psychologist (carrying out research)

9. What do we offer ? Assessment and diagnosis Person centred approach
Specialist knowledge , information and advice
Awareness training
Clinical interventions – either from the team or the Managed Care Pathway

10. Eligibility Age 18 years of age
16-18 year olds , dependent on individual need
Resident in Liverpool , or registered with a Liverpool GP
A diagnosis of Asperger syndrome, according to Gillberg’s or ICD 10 classification

11. Managed Care Pathway

12. Of 407 referrals so far ………….
245 have had full assessment
108 have not been assessed
54 are in progress
296 were male
111 were female
17 have children
(As of Oct’ 2007)

13. The MDT Operation
All professional team members are or will be DISCO assessors.
Nurse – behavioural approach
Social Worker – Care brokerage
Psychology – Psychological therapies (solution Focused Therapy, for e.g.), multiple assessment and Psychometrics, lead for evidence based practice / ongoing research projects.
Support Workers – hands on needs led support as assessed by the above and demonstration of care packages for brokerage.
All work person centred and take on liaison with other agencies and most importantly with each other. Being in the same office makes this much easier.

14. Common Themes identified
Supported Housing
Relationships
Work / Meaningful occupation
Identity
Advocacy and ‘interpretation’
Non compliance due to ‘social phobia’ or denial of needs or diagnosis (if from childhood).
Carers needs and support.
Support with home management.

15. What’s worked well Service user involvement Support for carers
“An Asperger Life” DVD
Flexibility of staff
Groups
Research
Planning and reflection
Full time members of the team
Psycho-social model

16. FUTURE

17. Gaps in service
No specific Sheltered Housing scheme locally for people with AS.
No coherent Community Care budget or access to it for people with AS.
No specific centre based service for people with AS (controversial!).
No RMO attached to Liverpool Asperger Team.
No specialist employment advisers.

18. The future People living in safe sheltered housing
Employers recognising and accommodating people with Asperger syndrome and recognising their own needs for support in the work place.
A place to go and socialise which is safe, predictable, secure and undemanding.
Easy access to support and Psychiatry if needed.
Post Code lottery

19. Come to our conference, “The Liverpool Asperger Team five years on” at Aintree Race Course Liverpool