The Springs Unit – Low Secure Mental Health with Autism Spectrum Disorder

We provide a person-centred approach in a centre of excellence to facilitate the safe and effective care of service users with behaviours which may challenge. The Springs Unit works closely with the other on-site autism spectrum disorder (ASD) services at the hospital, The Springs Wing (ASD/MH Rehabilitation) and The Springs Centre (ASD/MH Rehabilitation).

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The aim of the service is to help service users better understand their diagnosis and to support them in ways that will help them prepare for more time in the community, and a move to the least possible restrictive environment for them.

Our Model of Care

The Springs Unit uses an extended behavioural modification model of care. As the first step in developing a treatment programme, the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) work with individuals to comprehensively assess their strengths and their difficulties. This involves a full diagnostic assessment alongside assessing symptoms, risks and needs.

The team use functional analysis to assess any behavioural challenges including looking at when these occur and under which circumstances. The team can then work with the service user to generate theories about what function the behaviour has for the individual and identify the maintaining factors. Specific interventions for the individual can then be designed and tested including pharmacological, psychological, rehabilitative, or social. On-going testing and monitoring can help establish whether the intervention is helping and adjustments can be made as necessary.

Care involves family and significant others to help with re-integration into the community. All staff, not just clinically focused roles, are trained in understanding autism, helping create an
understanding and supportive environment for all service users no matter who they are engaging with.

A full daily programme is important for service users at the Springs Unit, and personal choice and options are at the fore of each person’s own individual timetable. Space is paramount for this service user group and the Springs Unit is laid out with this in mind.

Our service user profile:

• Male, 18+
• Detained under the Mental Health Act, including those under Ministry of Justice restrictions
• Formal diagnosis of Autism, including Asperger’s Syndrome
• Diagnosis of Mild Learning Disabilities
• Displaying autistic traits and requiring further assessment in a specialist, secure environment
• Presenting active or potential risk to others
• May also have a diagnosis of:
  • Severe and enduring mental health problems
  • Psychotic disorder
  • Schizoaffective disorder
  • Schizophrenia
• May be exhibiting dangerous and challenging behaviour
• May have dual diagnosis with substance misuse

Our service / facilities:

• Calm, relaxing and secure environments
• Spacious communal areas
• En-suite bedrooms
• Activity spaces
• Gardens with outdoor seating
• Fully equipped occupation therapy service
• Rehabilitation kitchen
• IT Café
• Gym

Community links:

• Cinemas
• Ten-pin bowling
• Wembley Stadium
• RAF Museum
• Fishing
• Local walks and golf
• Local pubs and restaurants
• Leisure centre