title: Paediatricians' views on their role in the assessment and management of ADHD and autism.
abstract: ADHD and Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are a core component of paediatricians case work in the U.K. and U.S., but the situation in Ireland is less clear. Due to significant underdevelopment of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in Ireland, long waiting lists may delay identification and treatment. The aim of our study was to explore the views of a group of paediatricians in relation to their current and future practice of assessing and managing ADHD and ASD. The outcome of our study indicated that more than half of the paediatricians surveyed are directly involved in the assessment or treatment of ADHD and ASD. Eighty five per cent (85%) of paediatricians believed that they should have a role in the assessment of ADHD and ASD and over half had thought that they should be involved in managing ADHD and ASD. These results suggest that there is potential to develop alternative specialist services in Ireland for the identification and treatment of children with ADHD and ASD. The development of a well coordinated integrated care pathway may reduce waiting times for families and lead to easier access to services.
authors: N
authors: N
authors: O'Keeffe
authors: F
authors: F
authors: McNicholas
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010372:Pediatrics; D010819:Physician's Role; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires