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The British Journal of Developmental Disabilities Vol. 46, Part 1, January 2000, No. 90, 43-50 AN EVALUATION OF MULTI-AGENCY SERVICE PROVISION FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDERS Sophie Nesbitt
Summary A multi-agency service review was conducted aiming to evaluate and develop current levels of service provision for children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders within an outer London Borough. The project was commissioned by the local authority Joint Commissioning Group for Children with Disabilities and conducted by a researcher contracted by the National Autistic Society from July 1998 to May 1999. The review used both qualitative and quantitative research methods, taking into account the views of both parents and professionals within the borough. From the findings several service gaps were indentifed and recommendations made for service developments. This paper outlines the review process and subsequent developments made, highlighting the value of working within a framework which incorporates both professional and parental views. The project work undertaken also acknowledges the importance of developing an on-going evaluation model to enable work that has been initiated to continue. This model of working emphasises the need for services to be developed jointly by health, education, social services and the independent/voluntary sector.
Sophie Nesbitt, BA(Hons),
MSc. * For Correspondence |