If your autistic child is on anxiety medication, what was the route to getting it?

[AtlasOfImperfection]

DS has extreme anxiety, it has been suggested by his OT that anti anxiety medication may help. However everyone I speak to says that this is only prescribe through CAHMS. Waiting for a CAHMS referral takes so long and DS has already been out of education for over a year.

Is there a faster way? What am I missing? Please can anyone help, I'm not sure what to do next.

DS1 started medication via CAMHS.

The NICE guidelines state antidepressants (which are sometimes used for anxiety) should only be started after assessment by a child and adolescent psychiatrist, so most GPs won’t initiate them in children. Many GPs won’t won’t prescribe beta blockers without them being initiated by a specialist either, but some will.

Is the LA providing provision if DS is out of education? Does he have an EHCP?

DS was prescribed via CAMHS through a psychiatrist. GP was not helpful.

He was on the urgent list due to trauma. That took 12 months for his initial appointment with the psychiatrist who prescribed immediately.

It's horrendous waiting for an appointment when you see your child suffering.