GPASC

Autism Spectrum Conditions Awareness Programme for GPs

“Training and education about autism is at best patchy and often missing entirely. Our patients on the autistic spectrum do not easily fit into the usual models of care”
RCGP Position Statement on Autistic Spectrum Disorders

The GPASC Autism Spectrum Conditions Awareness Programme for GPs is a 2.5 hour presentation available to all GP practices and Primary Care settings. It addresses the clinical priorities:

The awareness of autism as a possible diagnosis in both children and adults.
The awareness of the reasonable adjustments that may be needed to allow equitable access to healthcare for individuals on the autistic spectrum.
The awareness that consultation skills for those with autism are different
The awareness that physical and mental health problems may present very differently in an autistic patient compared to a neuro-typical patient (Source RCGP Position Statement: Clinical priorities for ASC)

What's covered in the programme?
Autism friendly: Making the practice environment accessible
The 'signs' it might be autism
The effect on families
Behaviour problems - why and what can we do?
Communication do’s and don’ts
Sensory hypersensitivity - examinations without the meltdown!
Co-occuring conditions

Background

"GPs and other primary care staff have a key role in ensuring that patients on the autism spectrum (and any carers) have equitable access to health care. They also have an important role in signposting relevant services and resources and in highlighting the latest evidence-based practice." Source: Research Autism

How well are GPs doing in terms of responding to the unique pattern of needs in autism?

In a recent survey by the Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE) and the RCGP found more than one third of GPs (39.5%) reported that they had never received formal training on autism – either during or after their qualifications. Although GPs demonstrated quite good knowledge of the key features of autism, they were not very confident in their ability to identify and support their autistic patients.

Take a look at this article which outlines some of the problems.

Your trainer
Chris Barson has been delivering training on autism to professionals for more than ten years. He is a National Autistic Society (NAS) licensed trainer and delivered training to GP’s and primary health professionals on autism.
Chris spent four years with the RCGP managing their education and quality networks.
Chris is a contributing author to ‘The Autism Spectrum in the 21st Century:Exploring Psychology, Biology and Practice’ Jessica Kingsley Press 2010 (Highly Commended 2011 BMA Medical Book Awards) MORE

What does it cost?

GPASC is available as a 2.5 hour presentation and costs £485 + VAT