The issues of the transition of young people with profound learning disabilities from child services to adult services

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Abstract

This dissertation is concerned with the issues of people who have Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities. The issue that has been targeted in the dissertation involves the transition of people from children to adult mental healthcare services. The study is based on the review of secondary sources. The methodology adopted for this research is qualitative research methodology. The research has been concentrated on individuals who are experiencing complex learning disabilities in Scotland. The study has revealed that young people as well as their families and carers face problems during transition. In this research, recommendations have been presented for practitioners and service managers to resolve the issues associated with young people during transition. Joint work between different stakeholders is an important step that can be taken in order to make transition process much smoother. Furthermore, it is important to allow parents and carers to participate in the process of transition, and to give importance to their perspectives.

Table of Contents

ABSTRACTII

CHAPTER 01: INTRODUCTION1

Background of the Study2

Aims of the Study5

Objectives of the Study6

Rationale of the Study6

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW8

Transition8

Transitions and Learning Disability8

Critical Analysis of the Literature10

Comparision of Authors' Views10

Gap in the Literature12

Aspects of Literatures Methodology12

Authors with Similar Views13

Role of Scottish Government13

Scottish Organisations and Resources15

Transition Information Network15

Enquire15

PAMIS16

The Scottish Children's and Young People's Palliative Care Network (SCYPPCN)16

Prior Research on the Issues of Transition Processes16

Key Areas of Information Required19

Issues faced by Parents/Carers and Users20

Evidence Supporting Positive Transition Services22

Transition Planning and the Role of Individualised Planning23

Services in Planning for Transition25

Social Services26

Health27

Education28

SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW29

CHAPTER 03: METHODOLOGY30

Ethical Issues31

Limitations of the Study34

CHAPTER 04: PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS36

Aims of Findings36

Statistics on People with PMLD in Scotland38

Scottish Policy and Legislation41

Learning Disability Services44

Planning Transition Services46

Professional and Managerial Attitudes46

Recognizing Different Perspectives of Pediatricians, Physicians, and GPS46

Issues for children with complex healthcare needs and their families47

Key Issues Associated with the Transition of Young People with Learning problems and impairments from Children to Adult Services47

CAMHS Services49

Suggestions for Transition50

A Multi-Agency Approach51

Transition Requirements for Young People, their Families, and Carers53

Suggestions for Practitioners and Service Managers53

Implications for Social Work54

Summary of Findings56

CHAPTER 05: CONCLUSION57

REFERENCES59

CHAPTER 01: INTRODUCTION

Intellectual Disability can be defined as the condition in which the human mind does not develop completely. Intellectual disability is characterized with the impairment of skills that contribute towards the overall intelligence level of individuals including motor, language, cognitive, and social abilities (World Health Organization, 1992).

Children as well as young people who have complex learning difficulties and disabilities include those who have co-existing conditions or multiple and profound learning disabilities (Dogra, 2005, pp. 370). The co-existing conditions include ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or autism. Complex learning difficulties and disabilities are also experienced by individuals, who experienced premature birth, infancy with medical interventions, disabilities because of parental alcohol abuse, and different chromosomal disorders (Adair et al, 2003, pp. 1151). Individuals with complex learning difficulties also include those who experience ill mental health or different forms of impairment (Harpaz, Leslie, Rosenheck, 2004, ...