Exploring the needs of service users with a co-existing mental health and neuro developmental disorder accessing Mental Health Services in Cwm Taf University Health Board

Previous literature has described a relationship between children and adults with neurodevelopment disorders and mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, for example, Lingam and colleagues (2012) identified increased risk of mental health difficulties in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder. Likewise, a review by Yew and O’Kearney (2012) concluded that children with Speech and Language Impairment are more likely to show clinical levels of emotional and behavioural difficulties compared to typically developing children.

Aim:
The aim of this project is to collaborate with CTUHB to conduct a study to evaluate their innovative mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders service.

Methodology:
This is a qualitative study. Up to 60 service users will be recruited. Six focus groups (approximately 8 participants per focus group) and 12 individual interviews (for persons uncomfortable in a group situation) with service users from the population will be conducted to establish whether mental health services are currently meeting their needs. Access to the service users will be facilitated via the Health Board and Occupational Therapist lead from the Autistic Spectrum Disorder Occupational Therapy Service. Other practitioners within CTUHB who also work with this population will be approached to access their service users. This will be facilitated by the service lead who has established links with practitioners in primary, secondary, and inpatient services. The service users’ perspectives on a) what their needs are and b) whether they feel their needs are being met will be explored in this study. This is to ensure that marginalised groups have the opportunity for their voices to be heard in the planning and delivery of mental health services.
Results/Conclusion:
The anticipated results from this study will be:
1. To enable us to inform CTUHB on an effective service delivery model for this population, which is based on the needs of those using the services.

2. To ensure service users’ views can be inputted into the evaluation of current service provision from CTUHB and inform the development of future mental health services for persons with a co-existing mental health and neurodevelopmental disorder.