Specialist nurse for children and young people with autism/suspected autism

It has been developed to provide support and education to professionals, to further support families who have children with autism/suspected autism.

Key aspects of the role are to:

• Provide up to date information and signpost to appropriate services.
• Co-ordinate and provide a liaison service between community paediatricians and other health, education and social care professionals, CAMHS and educational psychologists as necessary.
• Suggest and provide additional strategies to support and manage behaviours, promote sleep, continence and positive diet.
• Provide support and advice to parents of children with autism to support understanding and promote positive coping strategies.

The Specialist Nurse for Children with Autism/Suspected Autism do not hold a caseload, but they support other professionals to support families.

In order for a referral to be made to this service, it is necessary that another professional from health, social care or education is already involved and co-ordinating support for the child/ young person and their family.

This service provides additional specialist advice and support to maximise support offered to the family within the local area.

Referrals to this service can be made by professionals via email or Lincolnshire Community Paediatrics Unit on SystmOne.

The referring professional is to continue working with the family for at least six weeks following our initial visit to ensure that the family is supported to implement our suggested strategies.

The referring professional is to communicate with the Specialist Nurse team if they close before the three month review point to enable us to also close the referral.

The referring professional is responsible for ensuring that families are supported to implement strategies.

We expect the referring professional to ensure that universal services have been accessed/considered prior to referring to this service as failure to do this may result in a rejected referral.

We expect the referring professional to fully complete the referral form, including in depth information to support the referral. Failure to do this may result in a rejected referral.

Appointments cancelled by the family with less than 24 hours notice could result in the family having a considerable wait for a new appointment. A second short notice cancellation could also result in discharge from the service.

A maximum of three initial appointment dates will be offered.  If changes are requested by families or referring professionals, rebooking of appointments could increase the length of time from the acceptance of the referral to the initial visit.

Appointments may be offered in person or via Microsoft Teams/telephone.  If the family has a preference, please indicate this on the referral form.  We will accommodate these requests as much as possible.