Type of service: Diagnostic services, Hospital services

The Malcolm Arnold House service at St. Andrew's Hospital in Northampton accepts adolescents with mild to borderline learning disability including autistic spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities assessed between the ages of 13-18. It also provides a service for young adults who have graduated in the service. The purpose built facility has 40 beds plus 4 extra care suites. It provides greater living space and room for on ward therapy, and patients have access to recreational, therapeutic and vocational facilities.The building is designed to provide care and treatment to patients who require medium security. Patients are referred to the service due to the challenge they present or because no other appropriate alternative is available. Most present a serious risk to themselves or to others, with some having committed serious offences. Referrals must be from mental health professionals.

Assessment procedure: An assessment visit is carried out by a psychiatrist and a member of nursing staff lasting up to three hours, followed by 12 week inpatient assessnet. A detailed psychiatric report including history and mental state including structured assessments are completed. An admission takes palce under the Mental Health Act or other appropriate legislation.

Follow up service: Yes. There is a St Andrew's adult service on site which patients may move on to.

Multi-disciplinary assessment: Yes. Clinical Psychology, Psychiatry, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Teaching, Nursing.

Aimed at: Adolescent

Referral Sources: NHS and Private

Specialisms: Has autism-specific elements

Other specialisms: Adolescent challenging behaviour/offending. , Challenging behaviour, Developmental disability; co-morbid disorder and risk., Learning disability

Approaches and tools used: ADI-R, ADOS, CARS, CHAT, DISCO