Priory opens specialist unit at Hayes Grove
The Priory Hospital Hayes Grove has opened a specialist unit to help people with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) and Asperger's Syndrome (AS) to manage related mental health issues.
The Keston Unit is a dedicated service offering diagnostic, needs assessment and therapeutic programmes for those with AS or ASD and comorbid mental health problems.
Many adults with AS leave education without qualifications or the skills to integrate fully into society. As a result of interpersonal difficulties they often lack sustaining social networks. Many develop a range of mental health problems including depression, alcohol or substance misuse, OCD and psychotic symptoms. Many also end up in contact with the criminal justice system or warehoused in inappropriate inpatient environments, putting them in a position of vulnerability or risk.
Priory provides high-quality services for adults with AS and associated conditions, aimed at helping them fulfil their potential. With the right intervention at the appropriate service tier, adults with AS can enter a care pathway that helps them move from acute inpatient treatment, through to rehabilitation services and back to the community.
The Keston Unit offers inpatient, outpatient and day-care services. Admissions are geared towards caring for a patient through a mental health or behavioural crisis and delivering a comprehensive rehabilitation programme. Patients will receive specialist care in a structured and predictable environment with the focus on acquiring skills for successful community living.
The programmes, delivered by a multi-disciplinary team, are built around individuals' abilities and tolerance to stress and focus on improving daily activity, living skills and community integration. Facilities include spacious single en-suite bedrooms, communal relaxation areas, controlled access to IT facilities, dedicated garden, quiet room and therapy and activity room.
Dr Iain McGilchrist, Priory consultant, said: "People with autism or Asperger's Syndrome are particularly vulnerable to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, especially in late adolescence and early adult life.
"The nature of autistic spectrum disorders means that the individual cannot communicate feelings of disturbance, anxiety or distress, which can make it very difficult to diagnose depressive or anxiety states, particularly for clinicians who have little knowledge or understanding of developmental disorders.
"Similarly, because of their impairment in non-verbal expression, the patient may not appear to be depressed. This can mean that it is not until the illness is well developed that it is recognised, with possible consequences such as total withdrawal, increased obsessional behaviour, refusal to leave the home environment and in extreme cases suicidal tendencies.
"The aim of the Keston Unit is to assess, treat, stablise and eventually progress the patient to the most appropriate environment as quickly and safely as possible."
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