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When to contact CAMHS

NAS66663

My daughter is 10, she is a lovely, kind, funny and very sharp young girl who was diagnosed with autism last year.  In addition, she bullies, attacks, spits, insults, throws, kicks and lashes out.  Since lockdown I am so pleased to see her ticks (neck thrashing, clucking, teeth grinding) has stopped since she is off school.... on the other hand she is distressed at this new normal and keeps asking 'to go home', says that she wants to die so others can live and has tried to run away.   She can cling to you, love you then despite you and want you to die.  She feels noone loves her and if I am honest at times her behaviors are hard to love..... but of course I love her.  She attacks and bullies her sister who is struggling as a result.  School is absent - its terrible,  child development team and school nurse had some contact after my emails and told me 'you are doing well'.   I know that I am but there are times I have said some awful things and I know this impacts on her self -esteem but it is impacting on my wellbeing now.   I am just simply desperate.   At times - it feels fine then it feels desperate - her bheaviours, emotions and reactions are all over the place.  

When is it ok to contact CAMHS, is this right for her or will it label her and leave her with a history - its such a huge responsibility.  I just feel I am failing her

Parents

  • As a parent of an autistic child, I understand how you feel.  Unfortunately, CAMHS seem to be understaffed and overstretched in most areas. Like any other condition, autistic children do need therapy to cope with life .  For my child they just gave me the diagnosis and handed me a bunch of leaflets to read and sort the situation out myself! It's appalling that no therapy has been offered. I have heard of therapies like CBT and ABA, but I am unaware if CAMHS offer any. I know of some acquaintances who fund their children's therapy privately. The child has a 1to1 session with a psychologist periodically and that seems to have helped.

    My son is of the same age as yours. He lashes out at us and has meltdowns when he ask him to do things he doesn't want to do. We use Carol Gray's social stories sometimes, which has helped to a certain extent. There are books that teach you how to write social stories. And of course more importantly, lots of patience. 

    I hope this helps. x

Reply

  • As a parent of an autistic child, I understand how you feel.  Unfortunately, CAMHS seem to be understaffed and overstretched in most areas. Like any other condition, autistic children do need therapy to cope with life .  For my child they just gave me the diagnosis and handed me a bunch of leaflets to read and sort the situation out myself! It's appalling that no therapy has been offered. I have heard of therapies like CBT and ABA, but I am unaware if CAMHS offer any. I know of some acquaintances who fund their children's therapy privately. The child has a 1to1 session with a psychologist periodically and that seems to have helped.

    My son is of the same age as yours. He lashes out at us and has meltdowns when he ask him to do things he doesn't want to do. We use Carol Gray's social stories sometimes, which has helped to a certain extent. There are books that teach you how to write social stories. And of course more importantly, lots of patience. 

    I hope this helps. x

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