ADHD/ASD teen let down by NHS. What can I do?

[SleepWhenAmDead]

My teen has always been quirky and a school refuser. From age 8 years he was seen by a number of services and we were passed from pillar to post. All services agreed he had difficulties and passed him on. No help given. He said he felt nobody could help him.

We got a private appointment. He has received three diagnoses and two types of meds are recommended. I feel upset and angry. There was no new information for this assessment, we just got to see a Psychiatrist instead of being triaged out by a practitioner.

We have struggled for so many years. He has been so distressed and his education and our family life so disrupted. It feels like they could have helped him and resolved this much quicker. I want the NHS services to know how they have failed and am sure we’re not the only case. What can I do?

Does DS have an EHCP?

Separately to that, the LA has a statutory duty to provide education to those medically unfit for school, including because of their MH. Has this happened?

Have you already complained to CAMHS?

Thanks for your reply.

No, he hasn’t an EHCP although it’s recommended we apply for one now.

He has has two periods of home education with me. On his first return to school, they put him on a part-time timetable, got a great Ed Psych report and he would not engage with their strategies and refused school more and more. I de-registered him.

At the same time we were passed from service to service in NHS who all assessed, described his needs and passed him on. We eventually got to the ADHD/ASD service where a practitioner observed him in school, but did not speak to him at all. Then called me, admitted had not read Ed Psych report and said very firmly there was no neurodevelopmental difficulties and when I was insistent that he did need help, referred us for counselling.

Sorry, such long message. Haven’t complained to CAMHS about this. Honestly was relieved when she said no difficulties. I don’t want him to have any conditions although as I keep saying to her, he wasn’t right and he needs help.

Maybe I’ll start with PALS.

You should apply for an EHCNA. IPSEA have a model letter el letter on their website you can use.

Part time timetables are illegal, unless it's as a short term reintegration strategy, even if you agree. Stop EHE, the La have a statutory duty to provide education to those unable to attend school. If you EHE the LA will say you are providing a suitable education, whereas if you stop the onus to provide appropriate SEN support will be on them.