There are big changes happening in the landscape of justice and legal issues in the UK which can significantly influence the care and support of people with neurodevelopmental disorders (intellectual disability/autism) for many years to come and resonate globally. The Mental health Act (MHA) 1983 is being reviewed, there is a legal focus on inpatient segregation and seclusion practices and the new assisted dying bill is being presented.
- The MHA postulates the removal of section 3 for "challenging behaviour" for those admitted with an intellectual disability/autism without a major mental illness. However, this poses questions on, how vulnerable and distressed people with neurodevelopmental disorders would be supported, post-section It could lead to increased harm via overmedication, inappropriate criminal justice referrals etc.
- Baroness Sheila Hollins's department of health and social care report "My heart breaks" calls for complete removal of segregation and seclusion practices for those with intellectual disability/autism. Contrary to her assertion there is evidence that removal of such structures could cause considerable harm, especially given the lack of alternatives.
- Assisted dying is now a hotly debated topic in psychiatry. However, too little focus on the impact of this on individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. The evidence emerging from other countries on this vulnerable population gives cause for reflection. There is a need for an evidence based discussion on assisted dying, it's impact on people with intellectual disability/autism and if current safeguards offered are suitable.
This session will provide a critical wrap around view on these significant issues oncoming in the horizon and their potential impact on people with neurodevelopmental disorders, their families and psychiatrists and clinicians working with them. International experience from similar legal changes (MHA change in New Zealand, assisted dying in Canada and Netherlands etc.) will be shared and discussed.
Learning objectives
In this session you will explore:
- The current medico-legal challenges likely to influence the care of people with neurodevelopmental disorders
- The evidence (or the lack of it) for the three different scenarios of MHA change, Baroness Hollins report "My Heart Breaks" and Assisted dying for people with neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Discussions and debate on what best practice looks like for people with neurodevelopmental disorders in a clinical setting.
Speakers
Chair: Professor Rohit Shankar, University of Plymouth Peninsula Medical School, Truro
Professor Regi Alexander, Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Dr Inder Sawhney, Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Availability
This webinar is part of the Congress webinar 2025 package. If you attended all four days of Congress, you will have access to these as part of your Congress package. Otherwise the Congress webinar 2025 package can be purchased below.
