Hi people,
Have you had difficulty in the past few years getting assessment; help; counselling, or anything ASD related, in the Suffolk, and especially Bury St Edmunds area? Do you think the area lacks ASD resources? If so, I really need your help.
I’m a professional counsellor/psychotherapist in private practice with over 25 years’ experience. I work mainly from The Human Givens perspective (Look up caetextia!) and am also certified to use the 3Di assessment tool in clinic. Approximately half of my time is spent working with ASD related cases. I am in the process of setting up a new clinic near Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk.
In order to do this I have to apply to the local planning authority for change of use of the existing building to use it as a clinic. I approached a couple of the better-known ASD charities, and the Local Authority ASD-services to ask them for some written support to use in my application to the St Edmundsbury planning office: specifically to show that there was a need for a wider choice of resources for all people affected by ASD and related issues (meaning partners/parents/children as well as those directly on the spectrum) in the Bury/Suffolk area. To my astonishment, I was told that that there was no need for private clinics because all ASD in the area was completely covered; that nobody had to wait unduly for assessment; that the NHS, CAMHS, SENCO, dealt with it all; etc., etc.
My reaction? Probably the same as yours: Shock and disbelief: then laughter. I deal daily with people who tell me the exact opposite!
So please, if you’ve suffered delays, setbacks, refusal to assess; whatever, then this is your opportunity to let the Local Authority (and, sadly/surprisingly, those charities) know the reality. It would really help our case if you could give a brief outline of what the issues were/are. Feel free to PM me if you prefer. There is a degree of urgency here.
Thanks very much for taking the time to read this.
My kindest regards to you all in your endeavours.
Bluebottle, D.Hyp., HG.Dip.P., MA(PsychT).
