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First CAMHS appointment - how do I get them to listen?

bertieh

Hi  - first time posting, so here goes.

After some battling, we finally have an appointment to be seen by our local CAMHS next week.  My nearly 8 yr old son (year 3) was referred asking for as ASD diagnosis initially, but this has been refused and instead we have a 'generic' assessment meeting.  I am not happy with this, but at least we have an appointment.  The letter says it is a CHOICE appointment. Does anyone have any experience of one of these and what to expect?  Do I need to coach my son into saying the right things so that we don't get dismissed?  He may very well not present as having difficulties in one half an hour meeting and he will be scared about the whole thing.

My son was referred to CAMHS as a toddler for very poor sleep and anxiety issues but after just one session, he was discharged.  I know what CAMHS is like and everyone I have spoken to about it has only negative things to say.  I know I will need to fight to not be fobbed off.

I desperately want an ASD assessment for my son - not because I want a label or because I want there to be something wrong, but because I want to help him and give him an equal chance.  He has very calmly talked about killing himself and has punched through a window.  He is academically bright and does not have disuptive behaviour at school, although he does have an IEP for his dyslexia and the school are supportive in pursuing an ASD assessement.  I am not making this up!

I am so worried about fluffing up the appointment and either not saying enough , saying too much, being too aggressive, not being assertive enough.  I know that the only way my son will get any help is through me, and if they just dismiss me as a neurotic mum (as they did last time) I won't be helping him, or my family.  I am so scared about being sent away with yet another photocopied sheet about fing reward charts.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.  Should I go all guns blazing or assume that these people actually remember some of their training and will actually want to help?  Thank you.

Parents
  • Former Member
    Former Member

    I asked about family history as it can help to understand this when dealing with the professionals. If one did not realise that one was autistic then one might, without realising, get on the wrong side of them and spoil your son's chances of getting the right help. It doesn't sound as though that is the case here but it helps to know more about the circumstances.

    Your primary goal here is to put a stop to your son's suicidal thoughts. This is your goal rather than getting an ASD diagnosis. IF it means getting an ASD diagnosis or any other assistance then you need to make it clear that this is a very serious issue that needs to be tackled. You suspect that ASD is at the root of this but you can't afford to be fobbed off with a diagnosis and a few fact sheets.

    Unfortunately mental illness, such as your son's anxieties and desperation, are a common consequence of ASD. However, if the root cause is understood and dealt with then the outlook is bright. CAMHS are definitiely the people to sort this out.

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  • Former Member
    Former Member

    I asked about family history as it can help to understand this when dealing with the professionals. If one did not realise that one was autistic then one might, without realising, get on the wrong side of them and spoil your son's chances of getting the right help. It doesn't sound as though that is the case here but it helps to know more about the circumstances.

    Your primary goal here is to put a stop to your son's suicidal thoughts. This is your goal rather than getting an ASD diagnosis. IF it means getting an ASD diagnosis or any other assistance then you need to make it clear that this is a very serious issue that needs to be tackled. You suspect that ASD is at the root of this but you can't afford to be fobbed off with a diagnosis and a few fact sheets.

    Unfortunately mental illness, such as your son's anxieties and desperation, are a common consequence of ASD. However, if the root cause is understood and dealt with then the outlook is bright. CAMHS are definitiely the people to sort this out.

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