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SN children

Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on special needs.

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Original poster

quick question re CAMHS

12 replies

jenk1 · 02/12/2005 22:54

just reading through DS,s letter for his appointment from CAMHS.

DS was seen by clinical psychology back in April of this year and the 2 psychologists said that in their opinion he was HF autism/AS.

He has done the psychometric testing and had more sessions and they are still of the same opinion.

In the letter it says he will be seen by the consultant psychiatrist seperately from me and dh because "often we find the parents and child do not see problems the same way"

What problems?

As far as we were concerned the only "problem" if you can call it that is that DS is on the spectrum...really confused can anyone advise?

is this what normally happens when you go to CAMHS?

OP posts:

Chocol8 · 03/12/2005 08:55

Hi Jenk - my ds has been going to CAMH for over a 18 months now. When we first started there, we all sat down and discussed the problems we were having - ie. self harming, temper etc, although not much improved.

Then it was decided that he would be seen on his own, whilst I waited downstairs. (I think I did a thread on here, as I wasn't sure about it). It seems to work quite well, although it has only happened about 6 times. He goes off and does Playtherapy, and seems to really enjoy it.

I'm not sure if ds is more reticent to speak openly to them if I am there - maybe it is that they ask the right questions, I don't know.

What I do know is that on 4 occasions my ds has come home in the evening after playtherapy and had a massive meltdown and self harmed or harmed me. I recently had to insist that in the new year, the appts are regular (fortnightly) and in the mornings so that it is not such a long day for him.

Not sure that what I have said will help, but is there a particular issue that needs addressing like my ds?

Original poster

jenk1 · 03/12/2005 18:59

well thats just it chocol8, DS has self harmed in the past when he is distressed and has a really bad temper- meltdowns etc.

He is also a perfectionist and sets very high standards for himself, something which im hoping they can help him with but we thought he was going to CAMHS to finish he assessment for AS/ASD but upon reading their letter im not so sure now.

OP posts:

Original poster

jenk1 · 04/12/2005 09:42

when a child is assesed for AS/ASD is this the normal way that the professionals do it does anyone know from their experience, sorry to be a pain but i like to know what to expect rather than get there and be in the dark!

OP posts:

BoozyChristmacwoozy · 04/12/2005 12:19

Hi jenk, I'm waiting for appt for ds at CAMHS so I can't advise you what to expect, but I can say that when my ds was assessed for ASD, CAMHS were not involved.

Original poster

jenk1 · 04/12/2005 14:41

oh no im even more confused now!

What do CAMHS do then if they dont assess for ASD?

OP posts:

BoozyChristmacwoozy · 04/12/2005 14:50

It's all a minefield isn't it. The multi disciplinary team who diagnosed my ds included a paed, clinical physh and SALT, now unless CAMHS were connected to them in some way, they were not involved. Would the physh be part of that team I don't know. The purpose of my ds having an appt with CAMHS is to see if they can help with his aggression and anxiety. My ds was diagnosed over 2 years ago and it's only been recently that CAMHS have been involved.

rummum · 04/12/2005 15:39

we went to CAMHS last week with daughter as her self esteem was really low and she wanted to kill her self... hated herself ect...
I thought that the appointment was for exploring ways for daughter to express herself... since this episode the ep said daughter had aspergers tendences and they explored this possibility instead...

got to go now and tow the car.. be back later...

Original poster

jenk1 · 04/12/2005 15:54

So, the clinical psychologist said back in April that ds was AS/ASD.

They said that they would refer him on to their team which i take is CAMHS, but they said that it was only a provisional dx, so how the heck do we get a full dx?

Plus the clinical psych sent ds school a report saying in their opinion he WAS AS/ASD.

So i presume that CAMHS is going to help re ds,s aggresion/self harming etc?

OP posts:

rummum · 04/12/2005 18:03

can a clinical psychologist diagnose??

Has your son had any extra help in school since being dx??

It sound to me like they may be going to help with the self harming...

when is the appointment??

SoBlue · 04/12/2005 18:30

I am awaiting an appointment,its been refered through my HV as he was under 5 at the time. It is for help with my ds HF ASD aggression. Im presuming they will assess his behaviour and offer some useful advice/program which will be ongoing and monitored. HTH

Original poster

jenk1 · 04/12/2005 20:11

The appointment is on 14Dec.

Im not sure if a clinical psychologist can diagnose TBH.

he hasnt had any help in school since being dx,d but is starting to get some as from tomorrow.

Does anyone else know if a clinical psychologist can diagnose?

OP posts:

rummum · 13/12/2005 20:57

Hi Jenk1...
let us know how you get on tomorrow...

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