Second opinion needed

[HelenWs]

Hi, I'm new to the board but need some advise from fellow parents/carers.

My child has several health issues but amongst those my DH & I are convinced he has Autism. His Paed has diagnosed ADHD, and won't even consider the option of Autism. I think now after 5 years she just wants him off her books so ADHD & medication 'will do'. CAHMS think the same as the Paed but as his mother I just know there are other things going on.
I phoned CAHMS this morning asking for a referral for GOSH as I have spoken to them & they are willing to see him on the basis of a CAHMS referral. CAHMS are refusing to do this. I asked why as it doesn't come out of their funding, but they won't back down or give a valid reason....just more charts & social stories.
Where would you go from here? I can't give up now after all this time & I'm determined to fight for him but where do I take it next??
Any help or advise would be GREATLY appreciated x

You are entitled to request a second opinion. You need to apply in writing to camhs? I would do so as you need a paper trail and writing is a much better log that phoning.

ADHD does sometimes come hand in hand with ASD and also Sensory Processing Disorder which some sensory issues leave proffs to believe the child has ADHD iyswim.

Write to them requesting a second opinion and your reasons for it and that you have contacted GOSH and they will accept. Write that you understand from phone call with (whoever it was) that you will not refer and can they please advise their reasons for refusal.

Write down all your concerns you have separate to the ADHD dx. Keep a diary of where these concerns are arising whilst chasing a second opinion.

I could be wrong but I think you will find that the NHS/PCT in your area will be responsible for the funding to GOSH. I know my area is responsible for my second op to Maudsley and persmission had to be requested by my GP.

Go to your GP as he can do a referral too. But GOSH WILL write to your camhs as they only accept if there is a camhs to follow on from their dx. Take everything reports/notes/diaries etc to your GP when you go x

Thanks for advice. CAHMS want to do their own test but we've been down this path before. To be honest I'm not very impressed with our CAHMS.
My DS has been diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder via the OT but both the Paed & CAHMS refuse to believe that either!
I will do what you have recommended & write to CAHMS. I have spoken to my GP & she is happy to make the referral, though she is aware that CAHMS have to back it up.

You from my neck of the woods as your story sounds similar to mine.

GOSH
Newcommen Centre (Guys Hospital)
Maudsley autism unit

All the above are tertiary centres. Of the 3 only Newcommen takes pead referrals so if Cahms are being silly (turned me down 3 times!) try the Newcommen Centre. Tis the only way round the hurdles to getting a second opinion I've found, but the waiting list is the longest for theis reason - 6 months approx.

I found Cahms so obstructive & damaging that I now refuse to have anything to do with them.

I'm from the Derby/Leics border & although Great Ormond Street Hospital miles away, it seems like the best option at the moment as a private diagnosis will cost £thousands (£2,500 we've been quoted!)

From my understanding - although not in regard to ASD, GOSH do charge the PCT for a second opinion, but if the PCT do not have their own facilities to provide the treatment, they will take on the case. The consultant at GOSH told me that they could not accept a GP referral, it had to come from a paediatrician, or specialist consultant.