Hi,
My brother is 45 years old and was diagnosed with autism many years ago. Dr Amitta Shah then diagnosed him as having catatonia, a complication which can affect those with autism and which requires him to have tailored one-to-one care to keep him appropriately stimulated and prevent complete mental and physical withdrawal. He lives happily in a residential care home and is given the appropriate care.
Our local authority is suggesting moving him to a daycentre which does not give him the current tailored care that he now gets. This potential move does not seem to be based on a change in his clinical needs, but on cost.
We would like to find a clinical psychologist who has experience of catatonia and can give us a rapid up-to-date clinical assessment of my brother's condition and care needs. Dr Shah has retired and we are happy to pay for this privately. Does anyone know of a good psychologist who has experience of working with adults with catatonia, preferably within the South London (central) area - my brother is based in Croydon. If we have an up-to-date assessment of his needs, we will be in a stronger position to challenge the potential move.
We are also looking for a solicitor who is used to working on cases for clients with learning disabilities and who is action-focussed i.e. would be prepared to take strong action against the local authority rather than simply enter into a long-drawn out correspondence with them.
Any advice is greatly appreciated, many thanks.
