Cahms

doodoot

squirrelchops wrote: »

As someone else has correctly said this front door CAMHS service would not be able to diagnose asd/aspergers etc. A diagnosis would need to be undertaken by a paediatrician. I have come across some diagnoses being undertaken by a consultant psychiatrist attached to CAMHS but a psychologist cannot do this as it is a medical condition not behavioural.

Thankfully our PCT's CAMHS is on the ball, and they have designated clinical psychiatrists attached to the service.

I can sympathise with the OP and her experience - we moved boroughs to be able to access the Selective Mutism pathway that's offered by CAMHS.

If we hadn't then our DS2 would still be getting zero help/support.

OP, have you contacted them to discuss why the diagnosis was changed without you being involved in the process of re-assessment?

concerned43

doodoot wrote: »

Thankfully our PCT's CAMHS is on the ball, and they have designated clinical psychiatrists attached to the service.

I can sympathise with the OP and her experience - we moved boroughs to be able to access the Selective Mutism pathway that's offered by CAMHS.

If we hadn't then our DS2 would still be getting zero help/support.

OP, have you contacted them to discuss why the diagnosis was changed without you being involved in the process of re-assessment?

Not had a chance since the meeting - I am reluctant to even speak to the !!!!! as the things she was saying and her manner was truly shocking.

concerned43

squirrelchops wrote: »

concerned43 wrote: »

the only reason they have stopped CBT is that my DS asked for it to be in verbal form rather than written work as he finds it difficult to interpret written work, this annoyed the social worker and she can't be bothered with it now.QUOTE]

This sounds an unusual method of CBT if it was written exercises to say the least!!!!

Are you sure it was CBT or was he being given work sheets to look at and complete - I know there are work sheets out there designed for specific areas eg 'keep safe', 'self care skills'. 'exploring relationships' and the like. The methodology of CBT could use this in terms of 'lets explore xxx and then go through how we could make a different choice next time' - however there is absolutely no reason why this cannot be undertaken verbally.

It is also not unusual for initial CAMHS input to be from a qualified social worker - there are varying levels of expertise and specialisms that make up the whole CAMHS service - sounds like your son was undergoing the initial referral process.

As someone else has correctly said this front door CAMHS service would not be able to diagnose asd/aspergers etc. A diagnosis would need to be undertaken by a paediatrician. I have come across some diagnoses being undertaken by a consultant psychiatrist attached to CAMHS but a psychologist cannot do this as it is a medical condition not behavioural.

I was in that particular session and its defo CBT - she was sitting with the book and had photocopied pages from the book to give to DS. the last session was on life not being black and white but rather shades of grey - she asked DS questions about his life and asked him to state in the scale whether things are - white being perfect - black being the worst possible and many variations of grey in between. The social worker became annoyed that DS was taking too long to answer her questions and she ended the session saying that she does not believe DS understands what os being asked

concerned43

thought I would provide and update. I went to the GP who was shocked that DS had not been seen by a doctor at CAMHS and also shocked when I told him that although I was told by CAMHS that my son had aspergers in December, that was changed in January to ASD and changed again on March to 'attachment issues'. He was also shocked that DS has only been seen by a social worker and that CAMHS cannot diagnose ASD but can however appear to be able to rule out ASD! however, he said their was no other route other than CAMHS and that he would write to them to highlight my concerns!
I received the minutes of the meeting I had with the school/CAMHS and as predicted it states CAMHS position and that of the schools in terms of attachment issues.
I have drafted an official complaint to the school regarding the things said at the meeting and if there is someone out there that would volunteer to proof read it for me I would be eternally grateful!
I have also drafted a complaint letter to the Health Board responsible for my local CAMHS and I am also due to meet with my MP later this month to discuss my experience with CAMHS and the school.

concerned43

another update - maybe this will help anyone else who is having similar problems. GP wrote letter of complaint to CAMHS and I received their reply which basically outlined my grievance and said that I had not taking DS to sessions for months and that they would be sending copy of the letter to the school!
I was outraged and complained to NHS, I also asked for DS file and information under the freedom of information act.
I have yet to receive NHS final reply as they say they need more time to investigate, however I did receive my freedom of information requests. It states that CAMHS is NOT funding specific diagnosis and therefore they have not allocated extra money for those with 'attachment issues'! although I did not ask for it, the letter states that the two 'professionals' who worked with DS were not qualified to do so!! seems very strange to put that in the letter.
I am now thinking of suing!