Why not CAMHS for Autism diagnosis?

[daisy5678]

Hi, I see on here a lot that CAMHS are useless for ASD dx - does this vary from area to area? My boy's been with CAMHS since aged 4 and was dx ADHD through them and then last month the psych we saw there (new, covering normal psych's maternity leave) said she is convinced he's also autistic and has started a bigh questionnaire with me (takes 4 or 5 hours) and then is arranging an ADOS test. Should this not be through CAMHS? Confused now.

Also, what is an ADOS test? What happens? Have googled, but can't find any real details of what the child actually has to do.

Grateful for any responses - all v new to me.

Thanks

CAMHS are often the lead group for diagnosing autism - the other main group are Community Paediatricians. It sounds like the psych is going to go through the Autism Diagnostic Inventory with you ( ADI - a very focussed autism specific interview) and the ADOS is the observation bit. I don't know precisely what your ds is asked to do but it is a structured play session (blowing bubbles, seeing if he can be directed in play - that sort of thing). I'm told the ADI bit is exhausting but the children don't mind the ADOS.
It sounds like you are getting a OK service so don't worry about that, at least.

Thanks, AIG!

my son has been referred to camhs by the senco after he has seen the educational psychologist and they didn't explain to me the reason can any one help

Bella, I guess the EP and SENCo didn't want to second guess what CAMHS might say, as they shouldn't speculate on issues they aren't qualified to comment on.

As you've revived an old thread about autism or ASD, is that what you are worried about?

It comes from reading so many phone directories.

My dd got her ASD diagnosis through CAHMS as they diagnose in this area.

I think if the child is older and pretty high functioning then it may be their emotional well being that triggers concern. Which is why CAHMS could be the ones diagnosing.

I also heard that CAHMS can be more experienced in more "subtle" presentations, eg. A lot of girls.

Bella, you might be better off starting your own thread, people are answering the (6 year old) OP.

I am really worried as they may has seen an autism sign that is why they referred my 6years son to camhs for a diagnosis

Could anyone please tell me how long it normally takes for CAMHS to get into contact once a referal from paed has been made?

Ds1 is with CAMHS and they've picked up the possibility of autism, the consultant paed didn't. So they've been quite good in our case.

My biggest problem with them is the fact that our team has no ot and ds1 can't see the community ot while he's under them which is ridiculous!

We are having the same issue with OT!

It's insane isn't it?! He badly needs ot but he also needs a diagnoses to get resource hours in school which has to come from CAMHS.

Why he can't see both is a mystery