Autistic spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: developing an inter-agency service for children and their families and schools

摘要

A multiplicity of government initiatives advocate increased shared working between services to ensure that holistic and coordinated assessment of need, and shared intervention, is available to children and families. This project developed a combined process for assessment and diagnosis of autistic spectrum difficulties and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and the coordination of intervention between schools, families and the community. This inter-agency service has reduced waiting times, increased user satisfaction, and led to better outcomes for clients. However, with this success and raised awareness of these conditions, the efficacy of the service is threatened due to over-demand and increasingly scare resources.