CAMHS Tier 3, what to expect at the 1st meeting

[brandy77]

My 4.5 year old son was on Camhs tier 2 last summer as he had very bad anxiety. He settled in about 3 months into playschool and seemed to be coping quite well, still had anxiety and tantrums but he loved preschool.

The anxiety returned tenfold about 3 months ago. He had an assessment with a clinical nurse who said attachment disorder and seperation anxiety, his paed in London has thrown ADHD into the mix (i dont think its that though, he isnt a fidgeter or whirlwind child), aspergers has been mentioned as well.

So Im just wondering what will happen at this first meeting, ive been making notes of eeverything that happens socially, emotionally etc to take with me. But i havent got a clue if its an hour meeting, longer, if there will be a room with a few specialists in etc. I know my son is going to freak out which worries me as well, as he just doesnt cope with new settings. I spose this may be to his advantage in a way if it shows his true behaviour but any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, clare

Bumping for you .....

They will almost certainly take a full developmental history from you and discuss your concerns. From that they should draw up a care plan. Of course every CAMHS team is different. At our first appointment we met a Consultant Psychiatrist and Clinical Psychologist.

Best wishes

thankyou, so should i take his medical history folder then? he has hormone deficiency which he has medication for. red book as well to take? perhaps i should make a list of all the hospital admissions/procedures he had done since birth, especially as the clinical nurse has said "she thinks" the attachment disorder is due to hospital admissions and my bond being broken with him. bit daft as ive always been in hospital with him, never left him alone at all and he likes hospital!

Yes - I would take everything. Having the docs may be useful to refer to if asked for specific dates etc. However, what you don't really want is for this latest assessment to be tainted by the views of previous clinicians so it may be a good idea just to stick to the facts and let CAMHS come to their own judgement on what the problem is rather than narrate to CAMHS the views of all the previous professionals who have assisted your son IYSWIM.

Oh and don't worry about your son freaking out - it will be distressing to you obviously if this happens but it will give them a better picture of his difficulties.
Best wishes

Thankyou WetAugust