The Scottish Strategy for Autism - Menu of Interventions

Evaluation

Measuring the extent and appropriateness of the implementation of the relevant interventions and supports should be locally decided. As part of local ASD strategy development the menu should be used to measure and record the availability of the interventions from the table. This will enable the identification of any gaps in provision. (See worked example Appendix 1). There is clear scope for localised variation within the framework provided. It may also contribute to development of clear pathways to referral for intervention as appropriate.

It is important to measure outcomes in order for their effectiveness to be measured. A number of outcome measures were identified. Some appeared to be mainly for people with a learning disability, others were very highly specific to people on the autism spectrum who had very discrete needs. There are some outcome measures that require commercial registration and specific training on implementation. People on the autism spectrum are a disparate group and outcome measures relevant to all yet specific enough to be useful are required. Selection of outcome measures is perhaps a task for the local multi agency strategic groups. They are best placed to consider the outcome measures most applicable in their areas and reflecting local needs.

It may be that quality of life outcomes are more appropriate than, for example, educational or health based ones. Schalock's (2000) framework, and its predecessor's, Schalock (1994) have been widely adopted by many studies that have investigated the quality of life of disability populations. Schalock (2000) outlines quality of life domains in a manner that fuses a social model of disability with an individual commitment to self-determination and self-advocacy. The group acknowledges that people on the spectrum are not necessarily disabled by their condition but feel that Schalock`s outcomes are relevant for them too. It is important that individual outcomes must link to individual interventions. (See worked example Appendix 2)