Specialist Occupational Therapist
AHP Careers Fellowship 2024-25
Project:
Making AHP services more inclusive for autistic adults
'Exploring how to translate a national resource into local practice by adopting co-creation methods with NHS staff'
Implementing neuroaffirming practices can significantly enhance inclusivity without additional costs.
This project provides a replicable model for NHS staff to use creative and co-creation approaches to improve services for autistic adults.
Reflection & Recommendation
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The 'Autism Informed Services' eBook, launched in 2024, was co-created with autistic adults and serves as a resource for professionals working in adult services.
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The aim of this project was to understand the barriers and opportunities at a local level that need to be considered when adopting the national e-book into local practice.
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Focus groups were conducted in both NHS Fife and NHS Lothian* areas, with creative tools such as ‘Envision Cards’ used to gather insights. *with project partner, Ursula Duff (Speech & Language Therapist).
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Data from the focus groups was analysed to identify key themes, which were reviewed collaboratively with co-creators to shape the project’s outcomes.
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In Fife, key areas of focus included assets, barriers, and opportunities, with 22 co-creators identifying top 5 reflections in each.
Thank you to:
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22 co-creators within the Mental Health Occupational Therapy Service, NHS Fife, for participating in 3 focus groups across December 2024 - January 2025.
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NHS Education for Scotland for funding the project as part of the AHP Careers Fellowship 2024-25.
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Ursula Duff (Speech & Language Therapist) for being a project partner in NHS Lothian area.
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Inspiring Scotland for supporting and encouraging this project.
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Scottish Government for funding and supporting the development of the 'Autism Informed Services' eBook. Finally, for funding the print of my project poster in collaboration with Inclusion Scotland.
Acknowledgments
