Home->About MLSS Solution Focused Support for Adults Disabled by Society Mental Health Problems Learning Disabilities Autism Asperger Syndrome Dementia Stroke Victims Support for Individuals Support for Carers Support for Families Support for Statutory Services Support for Criminal Justice System Many times Communities and families or support networks put pressure on individuals to conform to their standards of behaviour. There are many people who do not feel comfortable within their family, support network or within their own community and for these people daily life can be exhausting. Often the excellent support offered by statutory services, such as the NHS, are not geared for people who 'fall between the cracks' of learning disability and mental health services. The MLSS aims to provide the link between these individuals and services they need within the NHS or other agencies. The MLSS is underpinned by the principles of Solution Focused Brief Therapy which is explained in the article below: Introduction to Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Using SFBT in supporting individuals with Autism / Asperger Syndrome It can be difficult for therapists to know the best way to support someone who has autism and is in need of psychological support. In order to participate in traditional ‘talking therapies’ a certain level of verbal communication, memory and attention are required. Additionally, a client and therapist need to be able to establish a good therapeutic relationship in order to affect a positive outcome. Traditionally these are areas in which people who have autism struggle. Since 2002, we have been working with adults who have High Functioning Autism (HFA) or Asperger Syndrome and their carers. We have been using the principles of Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to guide our work and have noticed with some individuals an increase in eye contact, verbal interaction, reported self esteem, and problem solving behaviours. Many carers and clients have noticed an increase in participation in activities, fewer highly emotional events and a sense of progress in a positive direction. Individuals who have been labelled ‘difficult to engage’ have requested return appointments and rarely miss their appointments. These informal observations are the only information we have to present on the sefulness of SFBT with adults who have autism at the moment. Still, the ease with which people appear to engage with this approach, and the anecdotal positive outcomes seem important to note. In the pages that follow, the principles of SFBT are briefly compared to those of more traditional approaches with this population and examples of the approach are briefly described. In Depth Traditional Theraputic Approaches The MLSS' Approach to SFBT Preliminary Outcomes of SFBT Solution Focused Approaches Outcome Rating Scale We sometimes use this scale at the beginning of sessions to help focus our attention where it is most helpful A sample Word document is available to download here. Session Rating Scale We use this scale sometimes to help us learn whether or not you feel we have done our best for you. We also use this to help us make changes in our practice. A sample Word document is available to download here. Brochure Download our latest fold-n-keep brochure here. It's gives an overview of who we are, what we do and how to contact us.

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