home

back

 

EST - Service Users

Variety of complex needs

 

Asperger’s Syndrome

 

Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) is a pervasive developmental disorder widely considered to be on the higher-functioning end of the autistic spectrum.  People with Autistic Spectrum Disorder, (ASD), have significant difficulties with social interaction and communication, flexible thinking and imaginative word play.  Symptoms vary in type, frequency and severity.  People with Asperger’s Syndrome often have insight, above average intelligence and they may have obsessive and/or unusual interests.

 

AS can present difficulties for learning skills, which people without AS seem to acquire unconsciously, or, as if by instinct.  The majority of these skills are linked to social communication and non-verbal body language, usually learned by imitation and observation.  However, people with AS have to consciously learn these skills, they have to actively focus on developing an understanding of the most difficult and complex social rules, which other people take for granted.

 

In association with, and separate to AS, however, there are other pervasive features, which present difficulties for young people:

 

 

Attachment Disorders/Difficulties

 

This is an umbrella term recognizing emotional insecurity in self and relationships.  It has particular resonance for care leavers and many of the young adults we work with.  Attachment difficulties are understood to be developmental responses associated with care in early experience.  This can impact on personality in terms of integral insecurity, low self worth and trust in others.   

 

Young adults with these histories can, therefore, present as difficult by showing indifference and avoidance to supporters whilst at their most needy. Others may be totally disorganized and erratic in their thinking and display of emotions.

 

Many of the individuals passing through PIP are care leavers or young people with poor emotional experiences.  Often this is additional to other difficulties. Understanding attachment behaviours is therefore a tool that offers insight to meeting and assisting these insecurities.  

 

 

Oppositional Defiant Behaviour

 

Oppositional and/or defiant behaviour is a recognized characteristic of adolescent development where individuals learn to reconcile their needs with social rules and expectations.  For some young adults with associated learning difficulties or experiences of strict early control, however, this may present more persistently in patterns of negativity, defiance, disobedience and hostility towards parents or adults in authority. In these instances, a more substantive understanding of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is adopted. This provides a unified and structured team approach where methods have enabled insight, development and change.

 

 

Anger Management

 

This is probably the area of difficulty most acknowledged by our service users.  PIP understands this and provides a cognitive behavioural programme, which includes social skills and moral reasoning.  Alternatively, where individuals have more complex needs, 1:1 sessions are provided with our specialist practitioner.

 

 

Sexually Inappropriate Behaviour

 

This is an area, which requires particular understanding and support.  Here, PIP is clear in its risk assessment towards other service users.  Where this is not an issue, behaviours are professionally assessed and managed or referred to other agencies for appropriate clinical support.

 

 

Mental Health

 

PIP is very aware of the mental health issues with young adults.  When these issues arise, we refer and provide continued support, if appropriate, in liaison with Community Mental Health Support Programmes and Agencies.

◄ previous

▲

EST