CAMHS

[HelgaHufflepuff76]

I know I should post this in the SN board, but I find you don't get much traffic there.

We first approached our GP three years ago with concerns about our dd (16).
We had become convinced that she was on the autistic spectrum, and our GP agreed, referring us straight away.
Last October we got a diagnosis of Aspergers. We were told that in a couple of weeks we would be sent a care plan and that we should arrange a meeting with her college to discuss her needs.
I called the college and informed them and said that as soon as we got the care plan in the post we would arrange to come in and talk to them.
It's now been over three months since her concluding appointment and we have received nothing from CAMHS, even to confirm her diagnosis.
I have called them five times since then and I've been told they are busy and very behind with things.
Meanwhile our daughter is struggling at college at a time when the diagnosis and care plan would be of the most help to her.

Can anyone tell me if there is anything I can do about this? Calling them and emailing has achieved nothing.

Talk to the College directly, the Senco and explain the delay, they should be able to put strategies in place to support your dd. And when the care plan arrives they should be able to tailor it more specifically.

I would also talk to the Senco at college. Ds is 15 and was diagnosed with ASD in September last year by a community paediatrician. His school would not do an SEN plan until they received confirmation of his diagnosis. It took 6 weeks to get the letter that was so generic it said absolutely nothing about Ds. There were grammatical errors in it and something scribbled on with pencil. It gave no recommendations or useful information and they didn't even send a copy to the school. The post diagnosis support for young people with autism is dire, there is nothing.

As for Camhs, the gp refered Ds at the start of December as he has significant mental health difficulties alongside his autism. They have just rejected his referral. It's crap.

Helga have you thought about contacting PALS? they might be able to help in this situation

Make a complaint to camhs, senior manager and PALS

What happens when they get a care plan? Does it mean money is released (from what budget) to pay someone to support her?

Thanks for your responses.
I think I will complain if we don't get anything by the end of next week.

YeOldeTrout, I have no idea how it works to be honest. All I wanted was for her teachers to be aware of her difficulties so they could help her.