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.
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
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.