RCN Learn logo
Sign up
  • Home

Stopping the over-medication of people with a learning disability autism or both

Last quality assured: 20/03/2026
2-minute read

Downloaded content date

PDF created on: 9 May 2026.
Downloaded from: https://rcnlearn.rcn.org.uk/Testing/Nursing-guide-for-supporting-people-with-learning-disabilities/Stopping-the-over-medication-of-people-with-a-learning-disability-autism-or-both.
Please check: https://rcnlearn.rcn.org.uk for a more up-to-date version of this content.

Last reviewed: 20/03/2026

Stopping the over-medication of people with a learning disability autism or both

A woman and a child in a wheelchair

STOMP is a national project, backed by the RCN, and involving many different organisations which are helping to stop the overuse of psychotropic medicines. 

STOMP comes following a Public Health England study, which found that people with learning disabilities are regularly prescribed psychiatric drugs without a recorded diagnosis. 

Further information

UK-wide

  • NHS England. STOMP and STAMP programme overview. Comprehensive guidance on reducing inappropriate prescribing of psychotropic medication, including links to NICE guidelines, medication review strategies and training resources.
  • NDTi. STOMP and STAMP summary report. Key findings from a national project involving Learning Disability England, Skills for Care, and VODG, with recommendations for workforce training and implementation.
  • Challenging Behaviour Foundation. Medication Pathway.  A resource for families and carers, including STOMP modules developed with MindEd and NHS England.
  • Autism.org.uk. STOMP guidebook. A workbook and guide for autistic adults and families on medication reviews and wellbeing.

England

  • Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust. STOMP Project. Includes training, medication review support and a co-produced video explaining the review process.
  • Swan Medical Group. STOMP Guide (PDF and Easy Read). Accessible information for patients and carers about psychotropic medication and alternatives.
  • British Psychological Society. STOMP and Alternatives to Medication. Explores the role of psychology in reducing over-medication and promoting person-centred care.

Wales

Northern Ireland

Resource lead

Contact details for the resource lead(s):

J

Jonathan

Beebee

Learning Disability Nursing Forum

We champion the health and social care needs of adults and children with a learning disability or autism. This forum is for members from all nursing backgrounds, including our non-registered workforce.
Learning Disability Nursing Forum
Last quality assured: 20/03/2026
2-minute read
Last updated date 08/05/2026