Type of service: Hospital services

The National Autism Unit is a 15 bedded National Health Service (NHS) inpatient service for men, usually aged between 18 and 65 years, who require admission for assessment and treatment of a mental health or neurodevelopmental condition, alongside their autism spectrum disorder. Our specialist service forms part of South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, and has over 20 years of experience in the development and delivery of diagnostics, as well as adapted interventions and therapies for adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We use person centred approaches, helping service users to improve their coping skills and daily living abilities according to individual need. We work closely with families and local teams to support service users in their local communities. Our team includes internationally renowned clinicians and we were rated 'outstanding' by Care Quality Commission (CQC) in 2015. Referrals are accepted from across the United Kingdom (UK). Informal clients and those detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 are both welcome. We pioneered the development of specialist services for assessment and treatment of ASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders in adults. At least 50 percent of patients referred to us have undiagnosed additional mental health difficulties; the identification of these are critical to a patient's well-being. Our National Autism Unit has over 20 years of experience in the development and delivery of diagnostic and specially adapted interventions/therapies for adults with ASD. Our evidence-based services provide assessment and treatment for people with: Suspected or diagnosed ASD - including autism and Asperger syndrome; ASD and additional mental health problems, including obsessive compulsive disorder, psychosis, depression and anxiety; Suspected chromosomal abnormalities or single gene disorders, including 22q deletion and fragile X syndrome; ASD and behaviour that challenges; and Other behavioural phenotypes of significant genetic origin. We offer a one-stop appointment for diagnostic assessment which includes feedback on the same day. This is particularly useful for those who travel long distances. Our team includes internationally renowned clinicians. We use person centred approaches, helping people to improve their coping skills and daily living abilities according to individual need. We work closely with families and local teams to support people in their local communities.

Aimed at: Adult

Specialisms: Generic