The challenges that social care services face in relation to looked after children with neurodevelopmental disorders: A unique insight from a social worker perspective

Abstract

Looked after children (LAC) continue to be one of the most vulnerable groups in society with numbers and rates in care increasing year-on-year. The aim of this study was to explore the unique perspectives, perceptions and opinions of experienced social workers on the little explored subject of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in this population. Using purposeful sampling, 10 social work professionals with extensive experience of working with these children were interviewed using a semi-structured interview. A thematic analysis using NVivo software was utilised to analyse, code and identify themes that contributed to the aims of the study. Four overarching themes and sub-themes emerged from the findings: perceptions of NDDs, perceptions of diagnosis, access to service provision and the impact on care settings. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia and dyspraxia were the more prominent conditions discussed. Even though these children are embedded in service provision, the findings raise important questions for both health and social care policy. There is a pressing need for research from a nationwide context to further explore areas of prevalence, training, resources, access to relevant specialist support services and the impacts on the already vulnerable LAC with an NDD.