CAMHS - AMHS transition for those with ASD: Multiple perspectives
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Transitions from community child & adolescent mental health services to adult mental health services for individuals with autism: clients’, carers’ and clinicians’ perspectives
IRAS ID
255415
Contact name
Thomas Schroder
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Nottingham
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 1 months, 22 days
Research summary
There is a gap in the literature in exploring and understanding the transition process between Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and Adult Mental Health Services (AMHS) (which occurs at aged 18) for those with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) without intellectual disability. This is despite many people with ASD finding change difficult and the transition process being informed by guidelines which do not specifically account for their needs. The proposed research will address this gap by gaining a cohesive understanding of how the process is experienced, by seeking out perspectives of clients with ASD, carers and clinicians in CAMHS and AMHS. It is hoped that gaining an understanding of the transition experience may contribute to guidelines for clinicians working with those with ASD throughout transition, as well as informing future national policy and guidelines. The research also has potential to make a theoretical contribution by considering the results in the context of psychological theories to enable exploration into areas of need for those with ASD during transition.
Recruitment will take place from local ASD support groups and from 4 NHS Trusts. Clients with ASD who are set to transition out of CAMHS to AMHS will be recruited, as well as carers and CAMHS clinicians. Retrospective experience of CAMHS-AMHS transition will be gained from clients with ASD in AMHS, carers of adults with ASD in AMHS and AMHS clinicians. Each participant will be interviewed once (either face to face, via email or via phone) which will last no longer than one hour. Participant involvement therefore lasts a maximum of 90 minutes (including consent). All interview questions will relate to experience of the transition (e.g. hopes, expectations, facilitators and barriers).
REC name
HSC REC B
REC reference
19/NI/0025
Date of REC Opinion
5 Feb 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion