multi disciplinary CAMHS led assessment for ASD?

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Hi there

We were at the child development centre with DS - nearly 6, possibly mild ASD, possibly dyspraxia, possibly several other things and certainly a handful :)

The upshot appears to be that she wants him to be assessed for ASD but apparently its a multidisciplinary assessment and CAMHS will lead on it.

Just wondering if anyone could share experience of what this involves and how long it takes? My suspicion is it will take ages and come back inconclusive!

Hi, we didn't have CAMHS leading ours but my experience was that the whole thing took over a year due to delays with getting appointments etc. There was a 6 month gap in the middle where nothing happened.

He was assessed by a paed, an OT and SALT. Then they all met for a panel meeting to discuss all the children due for assessment that month. They then decided whether a dx would be given for each child.

DD is being assessed for ASD (and/or 'others') by CAMHS

we were referred via our GP after DH and I asked for help with some of her behaviour.

the waiting list for the Consultant assessment is so long they have enlisted help from a SHO who reports directly to the Paed Con, we also asked our GP to refer DD to SALT so we had a report to take to the Paed appt, this was recommended by CAMHS (but not requested as we hadn't seen the Con )

it's taking it's time (1st concerns raised 'officially' in July 2011), but i think having the backing of our GP has helped as he has agreed to be an 'anchor' where all reports are copied to, so we have easy access and can pass on information, rather than have to wait for the internal cogs to work into place, it's meant that rather than languish on different waiting lists, our GP has made referrals directly.

i understand and accept we are extremely lucky to have this backing from our GP, he's been outstanding.

would your GP make a referral so you can have similar access?