Can an 8 year old have a mental illness?

[PumpkinP]

My daughter is 8 and has autism. Recently she has started saying that everyone is talking about her and looking at her. She has become so paranoid about it that it’s causing her a lot of distress. She believes people are talking about her that aren’t, literally on this bus, in shops. It’s making going out very difficult. The school are experiencing it aswell and have suggested it’s a mental illness? This has hit me quite hard as 8 seems very young to have a mental illness, is that what it is? I’m really worried for her now. They want to do a referral to cahms who I have no experience with, only heard negative stuff. Will this mean SS will become involved?

I have a son with a neurodevelopmental condition, anxiety and some autistic traits. He misreads facial expressions a lot and it makes him very anxious.
I think people on the autistic spectrum can have difficulty reading facial expressions.
I am sure someone will be along who has more experience than me. Could you maybe contact the NAS (national autism society) for advice?

Oh that’s a good idea thanks,I’ve spoken to them in the past and they’ve been very helpful. I’m just worried about her future now.

Yes, 8y/o's can have mental health problems. One of my DS' has complex MH problems that first started when he was 5. As Niffler says, it could be how anxiety is manifesting itself. A referral to CAMHS sounds like a good idea. Feelings of paranoia can have organic causes as well, so CAMHS may want to rule out other things too.

Not everyone who has contact with CAMHS has negative experiences - some do, some don't and some have mixed experiences.

Unless there is more to your post it is unlikely a referral to social care would be made. But, you could consider asking for an assessment from the Disabled Children's Team and for a carer's assessment for you.

I’ve had them involved in the past from dds dad a few years ago and honestly they were a nightmare although the case was closed with no action the SW was awful so was worried dd possible having a mental illness would be a cause for concern?