CAMHS advice

[tigersmummy]

DS has been referred to CAMHS and within a week we have received a letter asking us to contact them to arrange an assessment appointment. To those with experience what are the stages of such as assessment? Ed psych said she hoped he would be seen by a range of professionals ideally within the school environment.

.

What was the purpose of the referral and who made it?

The school ed psych made referral based on 3 meetings with myself and DH and 2 observations of DS. School were concerned when he started reception that he was struggling to listen to instructions and had trouble sitting still and concentrating. One of his teachers also said he didn't like making eye contact or being touched, both of which we have dismissed as stranger danger kind of thing as he is able to respond to both of these. In our 2nd meeting with ed psych she mentioned sensory issues which I believe he may have and DH highlighted his concern that DS may have autism, hence the referral.

Is CAHMS part of the referral pathway to a dx of autism where you are?

I think so - from the little I've managed to read up its also the pathway to other dx. But because I've not been down this road before its a little hazy! We have had to call CAMHS to confirm we want an assessment appointment (which we obviously do!) and have had one confirmed for September. The booking centre girl said it was an hour and a half and said she thought we would discuss our concerns and they may talk to DS too but I wanted to gain some more information prior to the appointment.

Anyone?

It?s hard to know what to say because I think it varies. We spent months on a waiting list, then had two long sessions at CAMHS with a paediatritian. (The ed psych hadn't been involved at that stage, the school had asked for a referral but were still waiting.) The peadiatritian interviewed me for a long time, while DS and DH waited outside. We had a second session where she did a lot of tests with DS. She talked to him and asked him questions, got him to solve puzzles and try little exercises, which he mostly enjoyed. Each session was over an hour long. She also came into DS?s school to observe him. Then she wrote a report, and we were referred to a SALT, and to a clinical psychologist who gave us some questionnaires. I?m not sure who made the ?official? diagnosis in the end, but they seemed to agree.

I don?t think there?s a standard pattern for these things. I guess the paediatritian was expecting to spend more time with DS in the first interview but it didn't turn out that way.