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CAMHS refusing to support

CWFC26

Hi Everyone,

I’m hoping for some advice or shared experiences.

My 6-year-old nephew is currently waiting for an autism assessment (referred by school/SALT). We’ve been told the wait could be around 12 months.

In the meantime, we’ve had 3 referrals to CAMHS declined. The reason we’ve been given is that his difficulties (mainly severe anxiety and obsessive worries for the past 3 years) are likely linked to autism, so they want to wait for the autism assessment rather than offer any support now.

We’re really concerned because his anxiety is quite severe and affecting daily life:

  • He refuses to use school/public toilets and holds himself all day (8:10am–3:30pm)

  • He is starting to refuse foods he previously ate due to strong worries and associations

  • He has intrusive, obsessive fears that don’t seem age appropriate

It feels very wrong to just leave him without any support for potentially a year.

Has anyone else had CAMHS refuse support while waiting for an autism diagnosis? Is this actually allowed, or have others managed to challenge it and get support in the meantime?

Any advice or experiences would really help. Thank you.

Parents

  • Hi - so sorry to hear that CAMHS are not being responsive.  I have known CAMHS to to decline referrals until a diagnosis is in place to clarify their approach and the type of  support they might provide following the diagnosis.  Were the referrals made via school or other channels?  Does his school have any other type of support they may be able to offer at this point?  You could try appealing via the PALS ( Patient Advice and Liaison Service).  Wish  I could be of more help!!

Reply

  • Hi - so sorry to hear that CAMHS are not being responsive.  I have known CAMHS to to decline referrals until a diagnosis is in place to clarify their approach and the type of  support they might provide following the diagnosis.  Were the referrals made via school or other channels?  Does his school have any other type of support they may be able to offer at this point?  You could try appealing via the PALS ( Patient Advice and Liaison Service).  Wish  I could be of more help!!

Children
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