Learning from deaths of children with a learning disability and autistic children (NCMD)
The National Child Mortality Database (NCMD) has published a thematic report on the deaths of children with a learning disability and autistic children aged 4-17 years.
Based on data from April 2019 to March 2022, this report contains nine recommendations, including calls to ensure:
- Reasonable adjustments are discussed with and provided for all children with a learning disability, autistic children, and where necessary their families and carers
- That there is a recognition that infants and children with a learning disability and autistic children with underlying health conditions may be at higher risk of death from infection
- A designated Named Lead Healthcare professional is identified to support autistic children and children with a learning disability, with multiple co-morbidities and complex health care needs.
Other recommendations relate to: National clinical standards and guidance with respect to transition from paediatric to adult healthcare services; reasonable adjustments for families and carers; autism assessment waiting times; timely access to appropriate support with mental health services; education on self-harm and suicide prevention; and payments for full-time carers of a child with a learning disability, or who is autistic, who has died.
This report also highlights changes that will be introduced by the NCMD to support a deeper understanding of the deaths of children with a learning disability and autistic children in the future.
Read the full report: You can read the report by clicking on the button below.
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