Whats the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

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My ds is currently being assessed by CAMHS for behaviour and sleep issues. So far he's been observed at school and home by the Clinical Psychologist and Team manager. We've now been sent an appointment for him to see the Consultant Child Psychiatrist.

So what does the consultant child psychiatrist do that the clinical psychologist doesn't do?

o.k-ds didn't get a full dx ( yet..)...but the dx of not asd (asd traits at this time ) WAS from the clin psyc not paed.

I get it now!

Pipinjo I'm not sure what an ICD10 letter is, however I have a report confirming dd has a dx of Asperger's.

The CP in my area is highly respected and has diagnosed dozens of children with asd's.

My mind is boggling now - is he not qualified to dx asd?

Pipinjo sorry, forgot to add he signs himself as a consultant clinical psychologist.

Its clear to me its all as clear as mud!

Who gives the diagnosis varies from county to county. ASD can be diagnosed through a multi-agency approach now so that's a team of varied professionals such as paed/clinical/ed psych along with information gathered from parents and school setting (if appropriate). ASD is a medical condition though so is generally diagnosed by someone from the medical profession.

*I thinkit cause I got tribunal in 24 hrs I have gone a little head spinning crazy wahaaaaaa!!!

Clin Psychologist cant dx asd...but need 'cognitive' testing (not always ds didn't as unable to score as severe at the time and 2yrs old)
Child psychologist can dx asd as can Paed, Neuro, Paed, Psychiatrist

Clear as MUD
i'll just wait for the white coats to pick me up *

Depends on the area you live in, and the trust you fall under. In my authority, ASD is diagnosed by clinical psych and paed. Clinical psychologists can diagnose ASD, (presumably following appropriate training).

As far as I am aware there is no such separate profession as 'child psychologist' - usually people who work as child psychologists are clinical or counselling psychologists who have specialised in children ( hence the title). Clinical psychologists can and do administer cognitive assessments in many areas, although a cognitive assessment in itself does not always form part of a diagnosis.

well the CAMHS here the clin psych, specialist OT, specialist SALT and paed do the diagnoses. The official diagnosis are signed by paed and clin psych. I don't know if they use ICD or DSM X so can't comment, assessment for ASD in over sixes is done using ADOS/ADI. I'm sure the big manual is sitting on someone's desk somewhere :)

Clinical psych work is a very varied remit - the bread and butter work of many clinical psychs is child development/ family systems work, not just the more specialised ones. Surestart centres often have clinicals as part of their team. They're not just limited to the adult psychoses work.

I'm a lowly bishop Pipin :) not in CAMHS though. Not many Sure Starts with in house Ed Psychs , seems to be predominantly clinicals.

PipinJo

Am really sorry, but the information you are giving is incorrect and i think could cause people unecessary anxiety.

A Psychologist deals with (and excuse the phrase 'normal' mind)
A psychiatrist deal with the 'abnormal' mind.

A fascinating and yet totally innaccurate description

Oh and as other posters also note, ASD diagnosis should be multi-disciplinary, and i strongly recomend that a Speech and Language Therapist is involved