NADP Autumn Conference 2009
Case Histories
Student A
Jenny is a student who has a spinal muscular atrophy which means that she has minimal muscular control below her chest, and a less severe weakness affecting her arms and neck muscles, so she is a powerchair user who needs 24 hour care. She can have difficulties with her speech and with swallowing. Jenny also has a visual impairment, she can see faces and has some idea of facial expressions of people who are nearby, but she can only read print in font size 16 or above. Jenny is currently studying for her A levels, she is predicted very good grades and on that basis she expects to start studying BA Medieval History in the Autumn.
Jenny's MDT would probably include:
- Her General Practitioner and Neurologist
- Social Worker from the Adult Physical Disability Team and possibly a member of their sensory impairment team
- Occupational Therapist
- Physiotherapist
- Ergonomist
- Representative from the local Independent Living Centre to help with information on direct payments
- Plus (of course) University Disability Officer, SENCo from her FE College, DSA Needs Assessor, LEA Awards Officer / SLC Officer; academic and personal care support workers.
Student B
Jake is 18, he has mild-moderate Asperger's Syndrome and a history of severe depression, he sometimes cuts himself on his thighs and upper arms and has been "sectioned" on at least one occasion recently because of concerns that he was a risk to himself Jake has never been aggressive towards other people. He is currently studying an NVQ in health and social care and has academic grades good enough to allow him to apply for a place on a Social Work degree course.
His MDT includes:
- His General Practitioner and Psychiatrist
- Psychologist/Psychotherapist with a specialism in Autistic Spectrum Disorders
- Community Psychiatric Nurse
- Approved Social Worker
- Occupational Health Specialist
- Plus University Disability Officer, SENCo from his 6th Form, DSA Needs Assessor, LEA Awards Officer / SLC Officer; mentor