 Our residential assessment service focuses on the interaction between a young person's epilepsy, learning difficulties and behaviour, based on an analysis of seizure activity, medical management and review of diagnosis. The outcome is framed in recommendations for future management. Partnership working between Paediatric Neurology and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in joint clinics makes our service unique.
The Psychology team work with the young person to identify their developmental level and devise behaviour management programmes and where appropriate, input from a range of other therapies such as Speech and Language, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy.
The assessment is tailored to each individual and extends from 6 weeks to 6 months. The assessment is offered on a residential basis only to enable the analysis and review of environmental influences.
Referral to the service comes via your consultant. Once a referral is made, parents, the young person and if appropriate the social worker, come to visit. This enables the young person and other key people to reassure themselves that David Lewis is the appropriate place, able to offer a safe, happy, caring and stimulating environment. At the visit a range of information will be gathered and together with the referral information the Multi Disciplinary Admissions Team will consider if we are able to meet the needs of the referral.
Funding must be agreed in writing before the placement starts, together with a letter of agreement setting out the aims and criteria for the assessment.
Findings and progress will be reported at two points. The first review will take place mid- way through the assessment period. At the end of the assessment a comprehensive report will be produced for the commissioners and shared with all parties. Review meetings are usually held at David Lewis but it is also possible for staff to travel to the home area. A video conferencing facility is also available.
During the residential assessment, young people are discouraged from going home in the first few weeks to enable observations to continue during weekend and holiday periods. This provides an opportunity to maximise the benefits from participating in planned activities with their peers.
Case study – learner AB
During the residential assessment AB has:
- Lost excessive weight
- Reduced their medication
- Attended school on a full time basis with excellent punctuality
- Reduced their dependency on their wheelchair
- Increased their mobility
- Improved demeanour
On arrival AB was on five different medications to manage his epilepsy and behaviour. In less than a term, the team have been able to reduce the medication prescribed for both epilepsy and behaviour without any detriment to their health.
Before the start of the assessment AB was only attending school in the afternoons and was being educated in isolation from peers. Now AB attends every day, all day and is educated with his peers. AB swims in our pool every week, something that was stopped at home, rarely uses the wheelchair and now walks everywhere.
Altogether a happier young person, who enjoys all aspects of the stimulating environment.
Comment from parents after last home visit: ' We are now able to take him to places we have never been able to go to before'
His future plans now include options not previously considered appropriate.
Young people who access this service, often successfully progress to a full time school or college.
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