Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello I have no idea where to go now. I have just had a visit from CAMHS who have told me they can't refer my son for an assessment for asd as the pathway is closed. They do think there is asd issues and sensory issues but say they can't refer him. He's 11 years old and it's taken 4 years to get this far and now nothing. The school also believe he has asd. I really have no idea what to do, my son does need help and wondered if anyone else has had this problem. I want to get him the help he needs and deserves can you help please?
The pathway is closed? What on earth does this mean? That no more kids can be diagnosed? This system seems to be getting worse and worse.
I agree with the above comment about going back to your gp. I wouldn't be afraid of kicking up a bit of a fuss.
I really hope you get the help you and your son need.
That's exactly what it means! I couldn't believe it myself it's taken 4 years to get this far and now I get told sorry nothing we can do
I wish I could be of more help to you. I think this is awful. I know services are over stretched but people with conditions like autism make up about 1% of the population so how can they be so full up as to be turning children down?
Imagine if parents were told that children with poor vision couldn't have glasses because the demand was too high or a child with a physical disability couldn't have a wheel chair because they were too full for them to be assessed.
I feel this issue needs far more media attention and something seriously needs to be done to improve the situation. I feel it is hugely letting down autistic people and their families.
I would go back with any reports you have from camhs and school, explaining that they claim the pathway is closed despite your son clearly displaying asd and ask to be referred to a different area if yours cant accept any more then the gp should be able to refer out of area.
Your local authority should also have information for you and school can offer support prior to diagnosis
We have been bounced from gp to peadiatrics back to gp to refer to camhs (gp didn't bother) 2 year wait for a non existent referral. School nurse consults camhs agree needs assessment sends to cdc who reject due to wording of referral letter! 6 months building iron clad referral to be told sorry she's now to old for cdc go to camhs! It is beyond a joke but since I got a family support worker things are starting to move forward camhs are going to see her ( won't hold breath though) and a sleep specialist has also taken her on (only sleeps about 3-5 hours a night)
Have you looked into family support? I avoided it for ages thinking it was social services but it is totally different