They threatened my doctor!!!

[bensmum2]

I really dont know where to turn, my son is diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder we are trying to get a second opinion as we still feel he is typical Aspergers , reading the stuff on here makes me more sure!! he has suffered severe pains and vomiting nd headaches sicne starting year 7 he is now year 8 , and has been off most of the year since january, the educatuion welfare have now become involved i had 2 letters from doctors stating its only in term tiem and how long he had struggled and the lea said they weren't good enough, i had to get one stating he couldnt actually attend school and they would then help him rather than try to prosecute me. My doctor gave me that letter last week and yesterday called us back to see him, upon receipt of the letter, the head of education welfare phoned my doctor and told him my son isn't ill in school , in fact he is fine and they wanted him to withdraw his letter, so much so they threatened him ( the doctor)with legal action if he didn't do that and so not being sure of his legal position he withdrew it, and after he told us this, he spent the next 15 minutes telling my son he is lazy and can't just stay off whne he wants and telling us what bad parents we were and how we were setting him up to fail for the next 40 or 50 years of his life. I contacted the education welfare officer who would only say my case has now been passed to the principal education officer, so i now beleive th next step is court, no one will help me, the doctor now wont even refer us for a 3di test which we have never had.i'm not sure exactly what the lea told him but i know they are all ganging up because i had a meeting to discuss his lea file last week , totally (i thought) unrelated to the education welfare service and the head of inclusion saw me and when i mentioned he was so bad that the doctor had written this note saying he coulnt go to school she said "yes for now" so i knew there was something going on, can anyone help me please??im sure threatening my doctor must be illegal how can they get away with that? i've thought for years its personal but this is real proof, even a c e when i rang them, told me they couldn't beleive what i was teling them and hadn't a clue what to advise me other than sending him back to school and refusing to collect him when they try to send him home which i was doing anyway, they always ring back an hour later and tell me thy wont keep him any longer so i have no choice, there must be something i can do, any ideas??

[jordansmum33ok]

I really dont know where to turn, my son is diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder we are trying to get a second opinion as we still feel he is typical Aspergers , reading the stuff on here makes me more sure!! he has suffered severe pains and vomiting nd headaches sicne starting year 7 he is now year 8 , and has been off most of the year since january, the educatuion welfare have now become involved i had 2 letters from doctors stating its only in term tiem and how long he had struggled and the lea said they weren't good enough, i had to get one stating he couldnt actually attend school and they would then help him rather than try to prosecute me. My doctor gave me that letter last week and yesterday called us back to see him, upon receipt of the letter, the head of education welfare phoned my doctor and told him my son isn't ill in school , in fact he is fine and they wanted him to withdraw his letter, so much so they threatened him ( the doctor)with legal action if he didn't do that and so not being sure of his legal position he withdrew it, and after he told us this, he spent the next 15 minutes telling my son he is lazy and can't just stay off whne he wants and telling us what bad parents we were and how we were setting him up to fail for the next 40 or 50 years of his life. I contacted the education welfare officer who would only say my case has now been passed to the principal education officer, so i now beleive th next step is court, no one will help me, the doctor now wont even refer us for a 3di test which we have never had.i'm not sure exactly what the lea told him but i know they are all ganging up because i had a meeting to discuss his lea file last week , totally (i thought) unrelated to the education welfare service and the head of inclusion saw me and when i mentioned he was so bad that the doctor had written this note saying he coulnt go to school she said "yes for now" so i knew there was something going on, can anyone help me please??im sure threatening my doctor must be illegal how can they get away with that? i've thought for years its personal but this is real proof, even a c e when i rang them, told me they couldn't beleive what i was teling them and hadn't a clue what to advise me other than sending him back to school and refusing to collect him when they try to send him home which i was doing anyway, they always ring back an hour later and tell me thy wont keep him any longer so i have no choice, there must be something i can do, any ideas??

 

sorry other than sending him to school to be sent home again i cannot think what else you could do..

can you change schools? doctor?

is yourson getting any help other than being signed off school?

 

you could homeschool.. that is an option but i believe you have to write to school stating you wish to homeschool therefore take him off school roll

 

i did that for yr with my daughter

 

link to info on this

 

http://www.asd-forum.org.uk/forum/index.ph...;hl=home+school

 

hope this helps

Edited May 13, 2009 by jordansmum33ok

[Karen A]

Hi.It sounds like you are having a very difficult time.I do not know what to advise either.When I have reached the end of advice that is within my range of knowledge I always suggest ACE and you have spoken to them already. Karen.

[mossgrove]

Hi Bensmum

 

I can see you arein a very difficult position.

 

I suggest you contact IPSEA and ask them for advice about where you stand legally. Their helpline does get very busy so don't be discouraged if it takes quite a few attempts to get through.

 

Their web site is at http://www.ipsea.org.uk

 

Simon

Edited May 13, 2009 by mossgrove

[Kathryn]

Hi Bensmum.

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

As Mossgrove said, contact Ipsea. They are very strong on legal expertise and will advise the best course of action. You may need legal help if they are threatening you with court action.

 

Another thing I would do is make a formal complaint, to your PCT about your GP's behaviour. At the very least your son's difficulties should be investigated.

 

K x

Edited May 13, 2009 by Kathryn

[Karen A]

Hi again.I had another thought.I think generalised anxiety disorder is a recognised mental health condition.

So another place you could try for advice may be Young Minds.They are a charity that amongst other things provide information and advice for parents of children with mental health needs.They operate a telephone helpline.I have used it and found them excellent.They can arrange for a professional to call you back if you need specialist advice.

http://www.youngminds.org.uk/parents

 

Just another thought.If your child has not had any input from CAMHS then it may also be worth requesting a referral from your GP.CAMHS may be able to offer some support regarding the generalised anxiety disorder.Also a letter and diagnosis from a CAMHS consultant may have more credability with the LA than a GP note.

If your child already has some input from CAMHS or has previously had some input it may be worth requesting an urgent appointment to review the situation.

 

When our elder son was off school due to anxiety and panic attacks a two years ago I found CAMHS were more helpful and aware than the GP.Karen.

[bensmum2]

Hi everyone, Thanks for the advice, ive written a letter to school last night to deregister him and a home school plan, but ace told me thast the last thing i should do becaus ehe will just get ignored then, i dont see i have any other choice, camhs were the ones that diagnosed this anxiety then the psychologist left , the new one we have says something different every time we go, from supporting us to just telling us to send him back to school , the lea say its not a mental health condition its caused by bad parenting!! even though camhs said they would have to help him with that diagnosis. ive asked fior a different camhs and a 3di but my doctor says theres been too many assessments and referrals (the last one was over 2 years ago before he got school refusal) cahs even wrote a letter getting him taxi to and from school because he was so bad they thought that he wouldnt be able to manage a school day by the time he had had the stress of a bus journey, !!!But school says he has no problems!! Looks like i'm deregistering him today unless a miracle happens!!!

[Sally44]

I agree.

These are just my thoughts on this, and I am not a professional so please ensure you do contact the NAS, IPSEA or ACE again.

From a legal point of view it is very important to get everything in writing, especially as you are being threatened with court action. So always send a letter, and if someone speaks to you via the telephone ask them to confirm the conversation in writing, or you send a letter to them saying "further to our telephone conversation ....." and set out what was discussed and agreed by both parties.

You should complain in writing (IPSEA or the NAS should advise you exactly who to write to). Put in writing exactly what happened and that your doctor was contacted and forced to withdraw his letter.

Do you have the original GP letter? If not ask the GP for a copy of it. It should be on your child's medical file which you have a right to be able to access.

I would also send a letter to the person who contacted the GP asking them to explain their action in contacting your GP and over ruling your GPs medical judgement in getting him to withdraw his letter. Ask them why they did this and what medical qualifications they have to justify this. You say your son has a diagnosis of general anxiety disorder. Is school and the LA aware of this diagnosis?

Does your child have a Statement? If not have you ever requested an assessment towards a Statement? By requesting a Statutory Assessment towards a Statement that will involve the LEA having to ask professionals to do reports on your child. That might be helpful as school will also have to produce a report.

You say he doesn't have a diagnosis of aspergers as yet. Why is he being refused the assessments towards a diagnosis? Can you also write to your GP and tell them that although your child has a diagnosis of GAD that you are concerned that there is something else contributing towards his behaviour and that you would like him referred for assessments by a multi disciplinary team that has experience and expertise in diagnosing Aspergers. There are ways of getting a private diagnosis. The NAS should be able to advise you of any centres in your area. Some private SEN schools also do assessments. I am not sure what you would have to pay to get that. I also don't know if those private diagnosis are always recognised by the LEA so it would be worth finding out the legal side of that with IPSEA. But even if they disagree with it, it might push them into having to do their own assessments to try to disprove your private diagnosis.

It sounds like you are not on good terms with the school? What type of school is it?

If his behaviour is so disruptive that they are always phoning you to collect him are they recording this as an exclusion? School will have to deal with these outbursts if you do not answer your phone (which might be something to consider depending on the advice you receive). Don't threaten school with not answering the phone. You need to try to keep a professional unemotional relationship with everyone involved (otherwise you will be seen as the neurotic parents) as difficult as it is. It might be helpful to get the exclusions recorded, or it might be helpful to force the school to have to deal with his behaviour and the staffing issues that will involve.

But firstly you need to get a very clear picture of where you can go from here through one of the agencies mentioned. Have school also contacted outside agencies ie. EP, SALT, CAHMS etc due to his behaviour? If so have you spoken with them and discussed your concerns that he may have aspergers? And what has their advice been. If CAHMS are not involved can you self refer or ask your GP for a referal due to your sons diagnosis of GAD and the fact that he is being repeatedly excluded? Record in letter any exclusions, and find out if they are exclusions and how the school should be dealing with them and recording them as this is part of your evidence that his present school is not a suitable placement.

If school have not called in outside agencies then that might be a next step which you could request in writing. Is he on the SEN process ie. school action plus?

Are you entitled to Legal Help? If not you might be able to negotiate something with a solicitor specialised in SEN law if you cannot get that advice and support for free through the NAS, IPSEA or ACE. I have used a solicitor in the past and I am paying him back in monthly instalments for the forseeable future. But don't burden yourself with extra financial debt is that is not an option.

 

[Sally44]

I really dont know where to turn, my son is diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder we are trying to get a second opinion as we still feel he is typical Aspergers , reading the stuff on here makes me more sure!! he has suffered severe pains and vomiting nd headaches sicne starting year 7 he is now year 8 , and has been off most of the year since january, the educatuion welfare have now become involved i had 2 letters from doctors stating its only in term tiem and how long he had struggled and the lea said they weren't good enough, i had to get one stating he couldnt actually attend school and they would then help him rather than try to prosecute me. My doctor gave me that letter last week and yesterday called us back to see him, upon receipt of the letter, the head of education welfare phoned my doctor and told him my son isn't ill in school , in fact he is fine and they wanted him to withdraw his letter, so much so they threatened him ( the doctor)with legal action if he didn't do that and so not being sure of his legal position he withdrew it, and after he told us this, he spent the next 15 minutes telling my son he is lazy and can't just stay off whne he wants and telling us what bad parents we were and how we were setting him up to fail for the next 40 or 50 years of his life. I contacted the education welfare officer who would only say my case has now been passed to the principal education officer, so i now beleive th next step is court, no one will help me, the doctor now wont even refer us for a 3di test which we have never had.i'm not sure exactly what the lea told him but i know they are all ganging up because i had a meeting to discuss his lea file last week , totally (i thought) unrelated to the education welfare service and the head of inclusion saw me and when i mentioned he was so bad that the doctor had written this note saying he coulnt go to school she said "yes for now" so i knew there was something going on, can anyone help me please??im sure threatening my doctor must be illegal how can they get away with that? i've thought for years its personal but this is real proof, even a c e when i rang them, told me they couldn't beleive what i was teling them and hadn't a clue what to advise me other than sending him back to school and refusing to collect him when they try to send him home which i was doing anyway, they always ring back an hour later and tell me thy wont keep him any longer so i have no choice, there must be something i can do, any ideas??

 

 

I just wanted to add that it probably isn't personal. If you go down that route you will end up with paranoia. It is more likely that either his needs are not recognised by his current school as they have no experience of ASDs or the LEA is concerned about the financial consequencies involved with a child that may have significant difficulties requiring significant levels of support.

[Karen A]

Hi everyone, Thanks for the advice, ive written a letter to school last night to deregister him and a home school plan, but ace told me thast the last thing i should do becaus ehe will just get ignored then, i dont see i have any other choice, camhs were the ones that diagnosed this anxiety then the psychologist left , the new one we have says something different every time we go, from supporting us to just telling us to send him back to school , the lea say its not a mental health condition its caused by bad parenting!! even though camhs said they would have to help him with that diagnosis. ive asked fior a different camhs and a 3di but my doctor says theres been too many assessments and referrals (the last one was over 2 years ago before he got school refusal) cahs even wrote a letter getting him taxi to and from school because he was so bad they thought that he wouldnt be able to manage a school day by the time he had had the stress of a bus journey, !!!But school says he has no problems!! Looks like i'm deregistering him today unless a miracle happens!!!

 

 

Hi.If your GP is not being helpful and you are known to CAMHS there are other options worth exploring.

It might be worth asking the psychologist to refer your child to the specialist multidisciplinary team or consultant within CAMHS that administers the 3di.If you are known to CAMHS then an internal referal should be perfectly feasable.

There may also be the option to request that the psychologist refers your child to a CAMHS psychiatrist for a medical diagnosis of the GAD .

You could also consider making a Formal complaint to CAMHS regarding the support being provided by the psychologist.PALS would be able to support you in that process.

 

Even if your GP is not supportive there should be other avenues available to you to at least obtain a 3di within your CAMHS team.If your CAMHS team are unable to offer a 3di then it is possible to obtain the 3di through a regional centre which accepts referals for specialist opinions where local professionals are unable to decide on a diagnosis.

In our case Ben was a complex case.CAMHS had a professional with experience and training in the 3di.However the option of specialist referral was considered.

Great Ormond Street Hospital does I know accept referrals for the 3di from local professionals who require a specialist second opinion.However you would probably need the support of your CAMHS in referal.

[Karen A]

Hi bensmum.I thought I would say.CAMHS support is provided as part of the NHS.So you can still continue with attempting to obtain the 3di and with any other avenues you might wish to explore through CAMHS regardless of what you decide to do about deregistering.The same would apply regarding the complaint to the PCT regarding the GP that Kathryn suggested.Karen.

[Karen A]

Hi everyone, Thanks for the advice, ive written a letter to school last night to deregister him and a home school plan, but ace told me thast the last thing i should do becaus ehe will just get ignored then, i dont see i have any other choice, camhs were the ones that diagnosed this anxiety then the psychologist left , the new one we have says something different every time we go, from supporting us to just telling us to send him back to school , the lea say its not a mental health condition its caused by bad parenting!! even though camhs said they would have to help him with that diagnosis. ive asked fior a different camhs and a 3di but my doctor says theres been too many assessments and referrals (the last one was over 2 years ago before he got school refusal) cahs even wrote a letter getting him taxi to and from school because he was so bad they thought that he wouldnt be able to manage a school day by the time he had had the stress of a bus journey, !!!But school says he has no problems!! Looks like i'm deregistering him today unless a miracle happens!!!

 

Hi.Did a CAMHS consultant diagnose GAD ?

If so you could also ask PALS for advice about how to obtain an appointment with the consultant who made the original diagnosis.

I think that if the LA are completely disregarding a medical diagnosis made by a CAMHS consultant then the CAMHS consultant may be interested.

I don't know whether you know.EWO actually are not required to have specialist training in SEN,medical knowledge or anything else.I became aware of this when I read a job advertisement in the paper for my LA. Karen.

 

[Karen A]

http://publications.teachernet.gov.uk/eOrd...S-0025-2002.pdf

Hi.I thought this might be useful information for you to have at some point.It provides information regarding what the LA should be offering in the way of support for a child that has recognised mental health needs.

 

Edited to add.I thought it worth adding in case you are not aware.SEN does apply to children who have mental health needs where the mental health needs are such that they are unable to acccess the curriculum or alternative support is needed to enable them to access the curriculum.

My elder son was off school for much of his last term at primary school due to anxiety and panic attacks.He had difficulties during the first few months at secondary school.J is very bright and socially able but was bullied at primary school.He was supported at School Action Plus at his secondary school purely on the basis of his mental health needs.

 

So it might be worth considering requesting a Statutary Assessment of SEN on the basis of support for GAD not being adequate .If you do contact IPSEA it may be worth asking for advice on whether that might be helpful because they may think that it may make matters worse if the LA consider your actions to be provocative. Karen.

Edited May 13, 2009 by Karen A

[Sally44]

My post crossed with bensmum2.

Just to confirm I was agreeing with Karen, not you de-registering your child. I am not saying that is not an option. But you need educational advice first. You are bound to be very angry, worried and frustrated about what is happening and doing something that could backfire would be harder to rectify. Grit your teeth, get in touch with the agencies and then make an informed choice.

What are the schooling options your LEA has. For example ours has mainstream, mixed (mainstream and SEN), SEN only and then behavioural units etc.

If there is a mixed mainstream school in your area that has SEN children with statements and the specialism is ASDs, then you maybe able to move your child to that school as a mainstream pupil. But that would involve you arranging transport if your child does not have a Statement as this is not your nearest suitable school (presently). You may find that a different school with experience of ASDs will recognise the difficulties and support him appropriate and begin the Statement process.

Can you confirm the kind of school your child is in and whether he has a Statement?

If your child has been diagnosed with GAD by CAHMS I don't see how the school cannot recognise that? And I don't know if another CAHMs professional can overturn an earlier diagnosis? Maybe you need to get something in writing via CAHMS if that is possible about the original diagnosis.

Again, it might be down to a need to obtain a Statement or alter an existing Statement to include this diagnosis (if it isn't included), but any Statement should definately highlight these needs. If travelling to school is causing him problems then that too would be a need that should be included in the Statement and recommendations made as to how to meet that need, which may involve the LEA funding a taxi to and from school.

[bensmum2]

Hi you are all fab Thank you so much, i have tried every route possible to get the help he needs, today i have been on the phone since before 9am and got nowhere except for being told to send him back till he hits the senco then they will exclude him and he will get help!!! It was very tempting, believe me!! I wrote to my GP to ask him to explain why he cancelled his note. He just rang!!!! i can't belive it!!! HE HAS LOOKED FURTHER INTO THINGS AND HAS SPOKEN TO EWO AND THE TOLD THEM WE HAVE SPENT TOO LONG STRUGGLING TO GET OUR SON HELP AND HIS NOTE TO SAY HE IS UNABLE TO GO TO SCHOOL STILL STANDS UNTIL HE IS AT LEAST ABLE TO GET FURTHER PSYCHIATRIC REPORTS ON BENS PROBLEMS!!!!! WHAT A RESULT IF ONLY TEMPORARY THEY WILL NOW HAVE TO PROVIDE SOME KIND OF EDUCATION FOR BEN UNTIL A REFERRAL IS MADE AND A NEW ASSESSMENT IS OBTIANED, funnily enough i had spoken to the principal EWO just before he rang and she never mentioned it!!!! cheers again everyoen thsi is like a reprieve for a while! Pizza hut for tea i reckion, if we can persuade him to leave his bedroom !!!!!!! Thanks again all!!!

[Sally44]

Still contact those organisations to find the best way forward.

The LEA is legally bound to provide an education for your child.

Getting a diagnosis and statement is the way to go I think.

But the NAS, IPSEA or ACE will give you advice on what the LEA should be doing from here on. Effectively he is not in school. I don't know if that counts as some kind of 'exclusion' because the placement is not suitable or the supports not in place to enable him to access education. But whatever the 'legal' position is you need to know what it is and what your duties are and what the LEAs duties are as well.

My only comment regarding further psychiatrist reports is that I have heard they tend to take the prescription medication route. Whereas a Clinical Psychologist/Educational Psychologist is going to look at cognitive function and processes. I am not anti medication when it is needed and is a last resort and it maybe that your child needs help with his anxiety. But I am not keen on any medication that is given so that a child appears to cope in an educational environment that is not supportive enough or ASD friendly. As your GP wants to gather further information, I would ask him in writing if he would refer your son to a multi disciplinary team that has experience of diagnosing ASDs as you are concerned that as well as GAD, that your son is also showing characteristics of aspergers. And if there is infact a co-morbid condition that needs to be known by all professionals as the approach or medication you might prescribe for GAD might be the opposite of how you would approach or medically treat the symptoms of an ASD.

[Karen A]

Hi.If ben is signed off on medical needs and this is documented itshould not count as an exclusion.However the LA is responsible for making arrangements for alternative provision on grounds of medical needs.This would come into play after a certain number of days.... I will check.The alternative provision may be in a PRU,a unit for children with medical conditions or home tutoring.All of the information is in the link I posted earlier.

Enjoy the pizza. Karen.

 

Edited to add it is 15 days .

Edited May 13, 2009 by Karen A

[Karen A]

Still contact those organisations to find the best way forward.

The LEA is legally bound to provide an education for your child.

Getting a diagnosis and statement is the way to go I think.

But the NAS, IPSEA or ACE will give you advice on what the LEA should be doing from here on. Effectively he is not in school. I don't know if that counts as some kind of 'exclusion' because the placement is not suitable or the supports not in place to enable him to access education. But whatever the 'legal' position is you need to know what it is and what your duties are and what the LEAs duties are as well.

My only comment regarding further psychiatrist reports is that I have heard they tend to take the prescription medication route. Whereas a Clinical Psychologist/Educational Psychologist is going to look at cognitive function and processes. I am not anti medication when it is needed and is a last resort and it maybe that your child needs help with his anxiety. But I am not keen on any medication that is given so that a child appears to cope in an educational environment that is not supportive enough or ASD friendly. As your GP wants to gather further information, I would ask him in writing if he would refer your son to a multi disciplinary team that has experience of diagnosing ASDs as you are concerned that as well as GAD, that your son is also showing characteristics of aspergers. And if there is infact a co-morbid condition that needs to be known by all professionals as the approach or medication you might prescribe for GAD might be the opposite of how you would approach or medically treat the symptoms of an ASD.

 

Sally I just wondered have you ever had any personal experience of CAMHS at all.We have recieved support from CAMHS for three years and have worked extremely closely with many professionals.Ben and myself have only recently resigned from a user group which advised on user involvement in CAMHS services.

 

CAMHS psychiatrists are extremely well qualified doctors with years of training.They are qualified to conduct detailed professional assesments of all areas of functioning including cognitive tests,emotional and mental health,development and assessments of social factors in any difficulties.They are the specialists in the field.Most CAMHS psychiatrists if not all are qualified to consultant level.

 

.I just wanted to say not all CAMHS take the prescription medication route.CAMHS would actually be very unlikely to prescribe medication as a first line treatment for GAD.It is far more likely that CBT might be offered.We have never been offered any medication for Ben or J.When we asked for melatonin because school thought it might be a good idea it was refused.

Although sometimes medication is recommended to enable children to cope in school this is usually with regard to ADHD.Most of the medications used to treat anxiety in adults would not be recommended for children and teenagers.So they are unlikely to offer medication.

Also there are no EPs in CAMHS and so accessing an EP through CAMHS would not be an option.EPs also cannot usually diagnose or offer a medical assessment and diagnosis which is what is probably needed.

For older children it is usually a CAMHS psychiatrist that is the lead professional in the multidisciplinary team.CAMHS would be very unhappy if the GP refered elsewhere if they are already involved

The CAMHS psychiatrist is the professional with specialist experience and knowledge in assessing the difference between GAD and ASD that is their specialty.Most EPs have basic training in mental health conditions.

 

I probably sound a bit critical.I know that different areas of the country have different procedures.However for me suggesting that a person does not consult CAMHS regarding GAD and ASD because medication might be recommended would be like suggesting someone with who is expecting a baby should not consult a midwife because some midwives are anti-home birth.

 

I am concerned that it is important to give accurate information regarding the role of CAMHS.I have not come across any evidence that CAMHS have a policy of offering medication in order to enable children to remain in school.There are cases perhaps where there might be an issue with regard to ADHD.However I have not come across any cases of medication being prescribed in order to enable children with GAD to cope in school.

Forum users need to use CAMHS services because they are the only service available with regard to mental health problems.There is no alternative.

I know CAMHS services are not perfect.However I think it is unhelpful when generalisations are made about what appears to be a whole section of the NHS with little supporting evidence.Surely that can only reduce confidence in a service that individuals need to use.Karen.

Edited May 13, 2009 by Karen A

[bid]

Just a note of caution, if you do de-register your son, then the LA will have absolutely no legal obligation to educate him, for example, home tutors, etc.

 

It may be that you feel you have no other option, but just thought I would highlight this point.

 

The other thing I would do is look on here at the home educating threads, as there is loads of advice and links to support groups, etc:

 

http://www.asd-forum.org.uk/forum/index.php?showtopic=20380

 

Good luck, it sounds an awful situation

 

Bid

Edited May 13, 2009 by bid

[Karen A]

And if there is infact a co-morbid condition that needs to be known by all professionals as the approach or medication you might prescribe for GAD might be the opposite of how you would approach or medically treat the symptoms of an ASD.

 

Sally I thought I would add.CAMHS are unlikely to medically treat the symptoms of ASD.

They regard ASD as a developmental disorder rather than an illness with symptoms and they do not believe it is treatable.

CAMHS may do many things and to be completely honest the major complaint is that they do very little with regard to ASD.

 

However attempting to medically treat the symptoms of ASD is not something I have come acrosss.Karen.

 

[jordansmum33ok]

Sally I thought I would add.CAMHS are unlikely to medically treat the symptoms of ASD.

They regard ASD as a developmental disorder rather than an illness with symptoms and they do not believe it is treatable.

CAMHS may do many things and to be completely honest the major complaint is that they do very little with regard to ASD.

 

However attempting to medically treat the symptoms of ASD is not something I have come acrosss.Karen.

 

 

can second that.. Jordan dx AS keeps getting refused help from them and referrred onto Autism outreach

however i was told it will be referred again as he has anxiety issues? but its expected it be rerouted again...

 

my daughter however who had ADHD was seeing CAMHS and at age 3 they was suggesting ritalin to which the peadatrician said no way!

 

 

[mossgrove]

CAMHS support is a lottery that depends on where you live.

 

The service can range from proactively looking for new and better ways to support children with ASD's and their families, through to offering no meaningful services at all. Our experiences have been good and it seems KarenA has had good experiences, but sadly it's not alwats as good as that.

 

Simon

[Karen A]

CAMHS support is a lottery that depends on where you live.

 

The service can range from proactively looking for new and better ways to support children with ASD's and their families, through to offering no meaningful services at all. Our experiences have been good and it seems KarenA has had good experiences, but sadly it's not alwats as good as that.

 

Simon

 

Hi.I would completely agree with that.I did say ..

 

''CAMHS may do many things and to be completely honest the major complaint is that they do very little with regard to ASD.''

 

 

When I posted last year regarding opinions of CAMHS services they were very mixed indeed.As a whole I think the provision for assessment for diagnosis is improving.However generally there is very little support or ongoing provision for ASD at all.Even in our case we recieved excellent support because CAMHS did not consider Ben had AS and the psychotherapists have continued to work with us.I don't think anywhere near the level of support we recieve would have been offered if Ben had had an AS dx two years ago.I have not come across anyone on the Forum that recieves anywhere near the level of support we have had.

I think that in itself says a lot about how much of a priority ASD is.

I have to say I attended a meeting with another CAMHS professional [social worker] who works in our area but in a generic CAMHS team.She informed me she had never had a client with AS and did not know what ASD was the abbreviation for.So perhaps we are fortunate.

Edited May 14, 2009 by Karen A

[smiley1590]

i would talk other your personal situation over with the NAS they give you practical advice with school , maybe an IEP for him but think you may need an official diagnosis of AS! and maybe get in touch with social services and get extra help social worker and maybe get educational pyschologist and maybe peadtrician! get many professionals working together as team to help with this fight the educational system in place! ask GP/family doctor if can refer you to different support networks and services!

 

good luck with everything

hope things get better

take care

XKX

[rach04]

cahms helped us as far as diagnosis went (i referred myself) but after support forget it

Edited May 16, 2009 by rach04

[smiley1590]

i feel same as you Rach i have AS myself and feel CAMHS all given me is official diagnoses but no actual real hard evidence of on going flexible support and help feels like have to do effort and work yourself and all the chasing years later still nothing gggrrr makes me so angry! where about in northants do you live? as i live there too! the services here rubbish though postcode lottery with CAMHS depends your local area and what type professionals they are the person they are!

 

i seperately years before officially diagnosed with dyspraxia though that wasn't straight forward system and professional either!

 

take care

good luck

XKLX

[smiley1590]

i feel same as you Rach i have AS myself and feel CAMHS all given me is official diagnoses but no actual real hard evidence of on going flexible support and help feels like have to do effort and work yourself and all the chasing years later still nothing gggrrr makes me so angry! where about in northants do you live? as i live there too! the services here rubbish though postcode lottery with CAMHS depends your local area and what type professionals they are the person they are!

 

i seperately years before officially diagnosed with dyspraxia though that wasn't straight forward system and professional either!

 

take care

good luck

XKLX

[smiley1590]

sorry again posted twice! lol i know every case is different yet again i appreciate this and i know cause the cutbacks of the NHS CAMHS service is being severly affected with clients and families i still feel the service they offer can be improved for all lives affected in some way by MH probs and ASD though i find CAMHS can diagnose yet not treat autism as whole package only CBT or meds! i feel lacking in some areas and need to be updated more money needs to be pooled into this fast! to help maintain a solution! i know there isn't a magic quick fix with ASD but surely more could be done to step up training and awareness in CAMHS itself though only seen really to treat MH probs and not ASD surely they come together and both need effort and work at! as mixed together can be such hard work for us going through it day in day out! this is reality for us and our families i feel like my family can help and support me with ASD and MH probs so much then comes down to adult MH team! i think alot of negative press is put on ASD forums for a reason alright people should see positive side but in my personal experiences this needs to be justified and also trust and respect within professionals on the team need to be earnt in time and not rushed along! i just feel like an NHS number on a list! i know this what it is these days! but surely there has to be better way with alternative resources and money sitting somewhere which we could benefit from i sure change out lives for the positive better! i feel like we sidelined and left to wait and be patience in silence for way too long! i think the whole system for me was negative and still is adult MH team don't feel listen to when go months at time just feel i'm being made a joke of like my life's funny i'd like them to live any of lives and see how really it is! be a culture shock! maybe just me judging everyone the same which maybe i shouldn't do but can't help it at end of day! this my personal opinion and beliefs (if offended or upset anyone) didn't mean to in any way! i feel very grateful for one thing they have got hope at officially diagnosing that it in my eyes that where it ends! it scares me to think that no-one willing to hear our voices heard CAMHS/adult MH team anger me frustrate me i think parents of ASD child/ren should be professionals trained to do the jobs in CAMHS/adult MH team at least be an even and fair playing field i feel very vulnerable anyway and disadvantaged and especially when faced with CAMHS nowq adult MH team! my parents and family are my MH team and i'm just pointing out causes friction,pressure and strain within families that people close their eyes too! unless directly affects them and that's where the whole system thing fails and is completely wrong! i struggled for years on my own without anything being there i wish in way be better without CAMHS /adult MH team my pyschtrist i feel puts me down ,critise me constantly and doesn't get the whole ASD /MH thing going on i do feel CAMHS need more practical experience with ASD and not just qualifing out of textbook by reagin up on it! i think i should like many others had proper help and support way before this complicated sticky mess of a system in place i feel more Mentally/emotionally unstable when go to see CAMHS/A.MH team then when i don't! i now working with local hospital pyschology department a MH OT she helps me no end i feel unlike Adult MH team i've been going through MH systems now for 5 years since i was 14 years old doesn't that tell you something?! i feel OT is making a difference where CAMHS/Adult MH team aren't i gave them a chance plenty of them over the years i been going there through different things they badly let me down when i needed them the most to be there so annoying of living life in different way relying on others to get you by i hate it!

 

sorry such big essay moaning negative one! i know lots people has positive ones so maybe just focusing to much on mine?! what you think to what i put?! can you see my POV or not? what your own personal experiences and stories behind the service and system?

 

take care

XKLX