Please or to access all these features

SN children

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

CAMHS appointment - should I cancel?

4 replies

GrannyRoberts · 22/09/2019 19:47

Long story I'll try to keep it brief. After a number of years of assessment for suspected ASD my DD (7) was earlier this year given a non-diagnosis by the paediatrician, i.e. some traits but not enough to diagnose. However she referred us to CAMHS. I'm not honestly sure why as never got a written report and apart from over brief phone conversation when she gave her (non) diagnosis we've had no contact. Anyway, this week is my DD's CAMHS "choice"appt. I have no idea what this entails, nor whether CAMHS is the right route for her. She had some unusual habits/pacing behaviours, becomes overwhelmed with too much stimulus, and is prone to flying off the handle on an aggressive way. Also some ritualistic behaviours, particularly around placement of objects, e.g cutlery at dinner, certain toys in her room etc. Is there really any value in going to CAMHS at this stage? My husband thinks we should cancel (but he's pretty hands off with it all). DD copes fairly well with day to day demands of school, clubs etc, but does not behave at home in a way I would consider typical, e.g. she spends s lot of time on her own in the garden on the swing or singing and pacing (her choice) or inside in a room alone with the door shut. But we're quite relaxed about her needs in that respect and just let her be. Just interested to know thoughts on the benefit of CAMHS really. She hates these appointments and asks why we think there is something"wrong" with her that she needs to see all these doctors. I don't want to put her through this unless it night actually benefit her in some way. Can I ask your views/experience? Any advice appreciated.

OP posts:
GrannyRoberts · 22/09/2019 20:49

Sorry, that was longer than I meant it to be!

OP posts:
BringMoreCoffee · 22/09/2019 23:49

Our choices appt was essentially about whether to put DS on the autism assessment pathway, or another pathway within their service, or to discharge him.

For us, we were there for an assessment for autism so it was about whether there was enough evidence to pass the gateway to do a full assessment.

It's not clear to me whether the paed referred you for another autism assessment (which here is done by CAMHS for age 7 and up, but might be different where you are) or for another sort of help. I would go and see what they say. You can exit the process at any time if you feel it's not right for your child, but IMO you might as well go along to this one and find out a bit more.

Effic · 22/09/2019 23:53

CAMHs appointments are like bloody gold dust so if you've got one firstly the doctor who sent you obviously thinks it is of value and secondly as pp said, you can drop out anytime if you & DD feel it isn’t right.
Go ....

GrannyRoberts · 23/09/2019 07:31

Thanks, the paediatrician along with SALT have already assessed for Autism so I don't think it's that..I guess I just don't really know what CAMHS do, and whether any of it is relevant to us, and I don't want to go to the appointment unprepared or take up a slot that someone more in need could take.

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page