Worried about dd aged 14

[Northernsoulgirl45]

So for a while dd has been struggling with school attendance. We have had good and bad years but overall has been attending school ok until this year . She suffers from high anxiety, tics and low self esteem. Also recently been diagnosed with an ARFID which is related to autism and some elements of OCD. She has never had a diagnosis though.
We were referred to CAMHS who did an unsucessful intervention. Tbh she didn't engage with the therapist and they seemed more intent on blaming me for not giving her enough attention due to other dd etc.
Her school attendance went downhill during the intervention until she would not attend school at all once intervention stopped.
A new therapist was appointed and progress was made. Although ironically shd thought I was putting too much oreddure on dd. We were going to apply for medical needs tuition but now this therapist has left too.
Dd is really struggling with school work and I am so worried about September as we do not have any support in place.
Just looking for advice and other people's experiences really as everything is on hold. Unable to do autism assesments either.
Thank you

She is a skin picker too.

Didn't or couldn't engage? I'd suggest it was couldn't. CAMHS will try to use none engagement as an excuse to discharge, it needs emphasising it is can't, not won't. Complain in writing about the lack of support and the string of professionals seen while DD's MH is deteriorating. In the mean time can you afford to go private?

If DD's weight is OK I would put eating to one side for now whilst you focus on her anxiety. You are much more likely to be able to expand the range of safe foods if her generalised anxiety is lower. You can always try a multivitamin and extra vitamin D if she's able. If underweight or losing weight ask to be referred to a specialist dietician with experience of ARFID if not already under them. If you feel you need more support GOSH have a good team or there's Dr Gillian Harris.

For the educational side of things you should push for medical needs tuition - the LA have a statutory duty, although IPSEA believe that this duty may be difficult to enforce currently. As well as this apply for an EHCNA.

Thank you for your reply. Her weight is an issue as the foods she will eat are high calorie and of course she has only left the house once since lockdown so not getting much exercise. Didn't stop the therapist saying she was underweight though.
There is to be a meeting to discuss the case and I have told the person who rang that medical needs tuition is required. I have the email where the therapist agreed too. The EWO is thankfully lovelly and supportive but the school one not so much.
In terms if engagement I don't want to be outing but the intervention was for a separate matter which I do not think she was ready to tackle. I knew this of course but they still were convinced she had at times engaged and was not a traditional school refuser so the fault must be mine.
We probably could just about afford private sessions but wouldn't know where to start. Definitely something to consider.
Also wondering about going down the Early Help route as I have no idea what camp the new therapist will be in.

We were referred to the ED Team ptior to lockdown. There was a mix up with the questionnaires so trying to sort this now. As it was them that suggested ARFID (I hadn't even heard of it) I think they will provide support when things become more nornal but obviously no idea when this will be.
Will do some more research too. Thanks again.

Medical needs tuition is via the LA, it is them you need to push. This is the guidance. In normal times if the LA won't provide tuition or are delaying doing so you can legally challenge them via judicial review. How easy that would be at the moment I don't know.

You can ask for a social care assessment. If you apply for an EHCNA one can form part of that.

Personally, if you are going to go private I would start with an ASD assessment from someone experienced in girls. Do you claim DLA? If not, you could and use it to access private help.

Thank you. Will take a look. School said we need a letter from CAMHS so hoping they will support this most recent therapist agreed but no idea if letter produced.
I think previous therapist blamed me and claimed she wasn't A typical school refuser.
Did apply for DLA when much younger but never got anywhere with it. May try again.
Yeah autism assesments with CAMHS are on hold due to face to face issues. Not sure abiut private as can't see her doing a video call.
I have downloaded forms and will take a look. Thank you