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Helping my daughter before it's too late

Onceuponatime

Hi, I'm not sure where to turn with this problem. My daughter, age 14 is once again feeling suicidal and unable to cope with her feelings. She has high functioning autism and is also visually impaired. On previous occassions we have had input from CAMHS, but when I telephoned them a few months ago after my daughter had taken an overdose they only gave me advise over the telephone and told me that 'autism wasn't their speciality' and offered her no counselling. We live in a remote area where there is no direct support for autistic children and other services seem unwilling to help, even my GP admitted that there are no services available. Can anyone offer advise for us?

  • Former Member
    Former Member

    If there are no local services then have you thought about taking her to a residential home/hospital/specialist centre? 

    https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?q=residential%20autism%20mental%20health#safe=active&q=residential+autism+mental+health

    I know this will be a massive and difficult move but I'm not sure how else to get her the help she needs. They may be able to help with both her short term crisis and also with developing a longer term sustainable way of living.

    The GP is responsible for the people in their care and they have funds that can be spent to bring help in or to buy services that are not local. It just can't be acceptable for them to say that there is nothing to be done.

  • This lack of local services seems to be a very common problem, and also, where services are stretched over a distance, there may not be enough specialists.

    In such circumstances remote consultation might be the answer. Under the PrimeMinister's Challenge Fund in England  there are experiments in e-consultations - using a computer to remotely discuss a patient's needs. But it is early days yet.

    It might be worth pursuing enquiries with a parents group or other service at a distance simply by email exchange.

    I know there are some places, Hebridees for example, where A&E means calling up airborne rescue services.

    I hope you can find something quickly, but it may have to be remotely with a non-autism specific resource centre.

  • Hi Onceuponatime,

    I'm really sorry that you are struggling to get support for your daughter at the moment. In the case of an emergency in her mental health, we would advise you to go to A&E. I understand that your GP has been unable to provide you with further support due to your remote location. It might be helpful to call our helpline which you can also email as they will be able to signpost you to services that can help. Other things that may be of use for you are contacting the Samaritans to speak to someone or the Youngminds Parent helpline. Our services directory also can be used to find counsellors that may be of interest to you should they be near enough to where you live.

    We are always here to support you so please don't hesitate to contact us if you need more support.

    Sofie Mod