Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

Responding to the mental health needs of young people with profound and multiple learning difficulties and autistic spectrum disorders: issues and challenges

Fergusson, A., Howley, M. and Rose, R. (2008) Responding to the mental health needs of young people with profound and multiple learning difficulties and autistic spectrum disorders: issues and challenges. Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Research and Practice. 5(2), pp. 240-251. 1743-6885.

Item Type: Article
Abstract: Teachers in residential special schools often work with young people who experience some of the greatest obstacles to learning. In particular, young people with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD) and those with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) require expert teaching and management by professionals who have a detailed understanding of the individuality of these young people. The identification of mental health difficulties in young people with PMLD or ASD is often confused by the challenge of interpreting behaviours which become associated with a “condition” rather than a manifestation of a mental health problem. This paper describes research which investigated professional understanding of and responses to mental health needs in young people with PMLD or ASD in a group of residential special schools. It is suggested that there remains a lack of understanding of the complex relationship between individual learning needs and mental health difficulties and that this is an obstacle to effective management and remediation. The development of greater cohesion across professional services and with families is perceived as an essential factor in enabling improved provision in this area
Uncontrolled Keywords: mental health, profound and multiple learning disabilities, autistic spectrum disorders
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology > HV697 Protection, assistance and relief > HV701 Children > HV888 Children with disabilities
L Education > LC Special aspects of Education > LC3950 Exceptional children and youth. Special education > LC4001 Children and youth with disabilities. Learning disabled children and youth
R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics > RJ499 Mental disorders. Child psychiatry > RJ506.A9 Autism
Creators: Fergusson, Ann, Howley, Marie and Rose, Richard
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Education & Humanities
Date: 2008
Date Type: Publication
Page Range: pp. 240-251
Journal or Publication Title: Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Research and Practice
Volume: 5
Number: 2
Language: English
ISSN: 1743-6885
Status: Published / Disseminated
Refereed: Yes
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/1614

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