Pilot study screening questionnaire Autism and demand avoidance
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Pilot study to evaluate the effectiveness of a screening questionnaire to explore Autism and extreme demand avoidance
IRAS ID
279533
Contact name
Judy Eaton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Over a two year period, 351 cases were examined as part of a research study carried out in conjunction with Kings College London to examine features of extreme demand avoidance in children with Autism and those with ‘Attachment Difficulties’. As a result of these studies a number of ‘themes’ were identified and used to generate a questionnaire. Across the country CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) have been faced with an increasing number of referrals. These frequently need to be screened by NHS staff in a ‘triage’ process in order to identify the most appropriate team to work with a child or family.
Often teams have limited time, limited specialist knowledge and few appropriate screening tools. This can lead to significant challenges and risks that the most appropriate care pathway for young people might be delayed or not provided at all.
The questionnaire aims to provide a quick a straightforward method of screening that would direct the patient towards the most appropriate CAMHS service or specialist team.
Presenting difficulties and challenges experienced by children with Autism and those with attachment difficulties can appear very similar. However, the assessment and treatment requirements are different. Providing the wrong care can lead to significant future risks (family breakdown, mental health problems).
Parents of children referred for assessment to Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Trust would be asked to complete the pilot questionnaire. It would be sent out as part of their standard screening process. Parents would be under no obligation to participate and it would not affect their child’s care if they chose not to. The study would continue until sufficient documents were returned to enable validity to be established.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/NW/0262
Date of REC Opinion
18 Jun 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion