This is an adult mental health service for people with a dual disability (mental health disorder, an intellectual disability/Autism Spectrum Disorder and complex needs).
Who and what are we?
The Regional Dual Disability Service (RDDS) is a tertiary service for adults with a dual disability i.e. people with mental illness and co-existing intellectual disability and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder. RDDS does not provide services to people with brain injury.
The Dual Disability Service is a regional service, covering the four District Health Board areas in Auckland and Northland. The geographical area covers from Mercer in South Auckland, Auckland and the whole of Northland. We are a mobile community team and usually try to see our clients in their homes. We also hold clinics for able clients.
We offer a multi-disciplinary approach. The team consists of a consultant psychiatrist, clinical psychologist(s), a mental health professional and registered nurses.
As a tertiary service, we will only become involved when other services are not able to meet the needs of the client. Where possible, we will work with the local Community Mental Health Centre (CMHC). We are not a crisis team. We will refer to local mental health crisis teams after hours as necessary.
We aim to maximise independence and community participation. We practice according to recovery principles and promote participation in treatment planning and implementation. We include caregivers / families / whanau where possible and appropriate.
View the Dual Disability service pamphlet for more information.
What is Dual Disability?
RDDS supports people with mental illness and co-existing intellectual disability and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The increased prevalence of psychiatric problems in the population of people with intellectual disabilities has been well established in the literature. A survey in the UK identified that 48 percent of people with an intellectual disability had some sort of psychiatric condition (including behavioural problems) at the time of assessment.
There is growing literature on the mental health concerns of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Interestingly, preliminary research on the prevalence of psychiatric symptomatology in people with intellectual disabilities with and without ASD suggests that those with ASD have a much higher chance of developing psychiatric problems.
The presentation of mental illness in a person with an intellectual disability may not be obvious as it may present as changed behaviour (e.g. increased irritability, changes in bodily function and skills of independence) with an absence of effective verbal communication skills. Physical factors such as epilepsy and other medical conditions are often present and may significantly contribute to the deterioration in mental state.
What we offer:
Who and what are we?
The Regional Dual Disability Service (RDDS) is a tertiary service for adults with a dual disability i.e. people with mental illness and co-existing intellectual disability and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder. RDDS does not provide services to people with brain injury.
The Dual Disability Service is a regional service, covering the four District Health Board areas in Auckland and Northland. The geographical area covers from Mercer in South Auckland, Auckland and the whole of Northland. We are a mobile community team and usually try to see our clients in their homes. We also hold clinics for able clients.
We offer a multi-disciplinary approach. The team consists of a consultant psychiatrist, clinical psychologist(s), a mental health professional and registered nurses.
As a tertiary service, we will only become involved when other services are not able to meet the needs of the client. Where possible, we will work with the local Community Mental Health Centre (CMHC). We are not a crisis team. We will refer to local mental health crisis teams after hours as necessary.
We aim to maximise independence and community participation. We practice according to recovery principles and promote participation in treatment planning and implementation. We include caregivers / families / whanau where possible and appropriate.
View the Dual Disability service pamphlet for more information.
What is Dual Disability?
RDDS supports people with mental illness and co-existing intellectual disability and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The increased prevalence of psychiatric problems in the population of people with intellectual disabilities has been well established in the literature. A survey in the UK identified that 48 percent of people with an intellectual disability had some sort of psychiatric condition (including behavioural problems) at the time of assessment.
There is growing literature on the mental health concerns of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Interestingly, preliminary research on the prevalence of psychiatric symptomatology in people with intellectual disabilities with and without ASD suggests that those with ASD have a much higher chance of developing psychiatric problems.
The presentation of mental illness in a person with an intellectual disability may not be obvious as it may present as changed behaviour (e.g. increased irritability, changes in bodily function and skills of independence) with an absence of effective verbal communication skills. Physical factors such as epilepsy and other medical conditions are often present and may significantly contribute to the deterioration in mental state.
What we offer:
- brief consultations with family/whanau and professionals about issues relating to Dual Disability
- consult-liaison with mental health professionals. Typically involves contributing to the co-ordinated care planning and assisting with diagnostic formulation. It may include treatment planning to address mental health issues as they relate to medical, behavioural, social, developmental and psychological functioning of the person, their caregivers and their family/whanau
- initial assessment - when the person has severe communication difficulties due to profound intellectual disability or autism (i.e. no verbal speech, severe echolalia, repetitive or nonsensical speech), RDDS can complete the initial assessment and assist with diagnosis, treatment and care recommendations, which can be shared with the relevant CMHC or the GP. People in this category may be directly referred to RDDS by the CMHC on receipt of their referral from the GP
- attending initial assessments at the local mental health clinic on their request, for the purpose of lowering the threshold for people with an intellectual disability entering mainstream services. Please note; our availability for attending first assessments may be limited
- second opinions as requested by a mental health clinician
- specialised assessment may include diagnostic clarification including ASD, complex risk and relapse identification
- specialised treatment is goal focussed, time limited and could include intensive monitoring of antipsychotics, staff education about the client and DD related issues, specific psychological behavioural / therapeutic interventions
- specialised case management for a small group of clients with a complex spectrum of extremely poor communication skills, medical issues, severe risk issues, a history of difficult to treat acute mental unwellness and who require intensive follow-up.
Dual Disability Service Clinic Information
Dual Disability Service North Clinic
Waitemata District Health Board
North Shore
Community Mental Health Centre
44 Taharoto Road
Takapuna
For any queries or to change an appointment, please contact Lynne Johnston on 021 249 1252
Dual Disability Service South Clinic
Counties Manukau District Health Board
South Auckland
Community Mental Health Centre
17/6 Lambie Drive
Manukau
For any queries or to change an appointment, please contact Karen Murphy on 261 3734 or 021 249 1252
Dual Disability Service West Clinic
Waitemata District Health Board
Waitakere
Community Mental Health Centre
33 – 37 Paramount Drive
Lincoln North
Henderson
For any queries or to change an appointment, please contact Lynne Johnston on 021 249 1252