Providing Care for adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorders in Learning Disability Services: Needs-based or Diagnosis-driven?

Background This study assessed whether a Learning Disability Service should develop a specific autism strategy or provide services on a needs-led basis. Materials and methods An autism screening questionnaire had been used to identify individuals scoring above a cut-off who had (n = 9) or had not (n = 15) received a formal diagnosis of autism. A sample of low scorers (n = 22) were matched to these groups. Questionnaires assessing service provision, needs (disabilities and challenging behaviour), quality of life and knowledge of autism were sent to relatives of individuals living at home or key-workers for those living in supported housing. Results The high scoring groups had similar levels of needs. Those diagnosed with autism received more services in total while the high scoring group without autism diagnoses scored significantly lower on quality of life. Although these differences were not maintained when level of disability was taken into account, it appeared that there was some level of unmet need in the high scorers without autism diagnoses group. Conclusions It appeared that resources should be targeted at identifying and addressing the specific needs of individuals presenting with autistic spectrum difficulties. © 2005 BILD Publications.