Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello everyone,
I'm under a secondary mental health team. They are a "specialist" mental health team, but despite being "specialists", they're not very good or helpful to me. I told them I have autism and they don't really work around my autism. The trainee I'm seeing says she often sees autistic people, but I'm not convinced. I think it's my autism when I think this, but I think that if they're NOT specialised in autism, they therefore can't help me. I think this because my autism and mental health affects me comorbidly. And the mental health team I'm under do not have much knowledge about autism.
I have asked them to refer me elsewhere, but it seems they're reluctant to do so. Also the trainee said I'm 'articulate" and some other autistic people are non-verbal. I thought to myself "why does that matter?" Just because I can express how I'm feeling and have capacity? It really does annoy me when they say things like that. I don't have a learning disability, that's why I can speak fine.
What can I do about the mental health team not referring me to a tertiary service? I've been told by health professionals that I have very complex needs. So, I don't see how my mental health team can possibly help me? I cry at every session and just feel so hopeless. I have contacted PALS before, but they don't do anything useful.
Thank you for reading.
It's bad, isn't it? How autistic people like us are treated.
I hope you also get the care you need as well. We deserve to get better.
I’m in such a similar position to you. Have also been told I have complex needs, they don’t seem to know what to do with me so they don’t do anything. Sorry I can’t offer advice, as I have no idea what to do myself. I’m currently looking at processing a complaint but not getting very far :( just not getting the care I need, and I’m so sorry you aren’t either. Sending solidarity, hope they listen to you soon
I'm not understanding your answer?
Too much bureaucracy in our Health Service.
Now, they're threatening to sack all unvaccinated staff! WTF?
We've been slapped in the face!