Interview with:
Eleanor Norman,
Head of Growth and Service Development,
Neurodevelopmental Services, Xyla
Digital healthcare solution
Part of Acacium Group
Digital technologies provide promising solutions to help neurodiversity services within the NHS, voluntary, private, and public health settings cope with pressures.
While COVID-19 may be a surreal and distant memory for many of us, its effect is still felt across the healthcare system. “Although the immediate crisis has subsided, the symptoms have persisted, which has naturally led to a greater demand for mental health support services,” says Eleanor Norman, Head of Growth and Service Development, Neurodevelopmental Services at Xyla. “This coincides with an increase in neurodiversity awareness, to which social media has contributed.”
Xyla provides expert neurodevelopmental assessments and post-diagnostic treatment services to help reduce NHS waiting lists. Partnering with the NHS, we offer NICE-compliant, personalised assessments and deliver ongoing support, including pharmacological treatment and psychodynamic therapy, ensuring timely care for individuals with autism and ADHD.
To manage increasing demand, they integrated iaptus case management system into their clinical operations, enabling them to oversee multiple services and streamline care for better outcomes.
The impact of symptom overlap on diagnosis and treatment
“The overlap of neurodiverse symptoms with those of other mental health conditions complicates diagnoses,” says Eleanor. “For example, symptoms of ADHD can often resemble those of anxiety or depression, making it challenging to accurately diagnose and treat individuals without thorough assessments.”
The complexity of symptom overlap necessitates more specialised and extensive support, adding to the overall demand for neurodevelopmental services, she goes on to say.
“The limited specialist neurodiversity staff and services we have in the UK are already over stretched,” Eleanor insists. “We’re at a place where someone in need is waiting months or even years for assessments and support.”
Early diagnosis is key, but funding shortages restricts access to support
Early diagnosis and intervention for conditions like ADHD and autism are crucial, but there has been a historical lack of specialist services for young children, delaying necessary support.
“Insufficient funding is another major hurdle,” Eleanor goes on to say. “It limits the ability to hire staff, invest in training and expand services”.
This financial strain makes it difficult to meet the growing demand and provide high-quality care. “Adults who did not receive adequate support as children continue to face significant challenges, with adult services often under-resourced and ill-equipped to provide the necessary care,” She continues.
Technology bridges the gaps in providing specialist care
Technology plays a crucial role, especially in the post-COVID landscape, Eleanor reflects. Remote working has proven to be invaluable for both practitioners and patients. It allows for quicker assessments, so more can be completed in a day, making a tangible difference to waiting lists.
Information is accessed faster and individuals can undergo assessments from their own homes at a time that suits them, making the process more convenient and comfortable for those who may struggle to travel to in-person assessments.
“Initially, there was skepticism about conducting services remotely, but the pandemic demonstrated its feasibility and people are now more willing to embrace digital tools in all walks of life,” Eleanor explains.
“Technology also makes gathering essential information much easier and quicker,” Eleanor goes on. “This includes developmental history, input from friends and family and educational information, all of which can be collected before meeting the service user.”
Remote services are also a valuable tool for healthcare providers who can benefit from the skills and experience of clinicians nationwide. This is particularly effective for remote and rural areas that don’t have access to workforce expertise, or areas that struggle to attract and retain mental health or neurodiversity specialists.
“Overall, technology has proven to hold significant value, both during the diagnostic process and post-diagnosis,” Eleanor concludes. “It reduces the length of the assessment process and ensures more effective information gathering to inform diagnostic decisions.”
*<strong>Clause:</strong> for the purpose of these articles we will be using the term ‘neurodiversity services’ which encompasses services within the NHS, voluntary, private, and public health settings supporting provision of assessment and diagnosis for neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism and ADHD.
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