Private CAMHS Diagnosis / Assessment

MamaBear5

Hi all - we are having real behavioural issues with our son, and they've been getting worse for the past year. Last week he was asked to leave his school, thankfully he's now in a different one but his behaviour at home is getting worse. He's violent, runs away, inappropriate - the list goes on. He's been referred to CAMHS based on his anxiety (though I do think he has autistic traits). I'm worried about how long it will take to get anywhere via CAMHS and my parents have offered to pay for a private assessment but I don't know where to start finding someone to do it.

Has anyone had any experience with a private CAMHS assessment and have any recommendations in Hampshire or the South East?
Thanks from a very desperate mum!x

HelenNoreen

Hi, I have limited knowledge, as my 6 year old son has had his initial CAMHS meeting in March, and is now on the waiting for assessment by the Neuro-Developmental team; as it is considered that he is likely to have ADHD. The waiting list is approximately 1 year, whereas 2.5 years for Autism.

I spoke with a member of CAMHS ref a private diagnosis, but essentially, they say that all of the resources available should be available pre-diagnosis. The literature which came with the confirmation letter confirming that my son was now on the waiting list backed this up. It is my understanding that an official diagnosis just makes it a little easier for school to obtain additional funding.

Rubik

A private assessment may speed up getting the right help and support in place for your son. If you contact the National Autistic Society, they will be able to advise further on a private assessement - https://www.autism.org.uk/about/diagnosis/children.aspx

My own personal experience of Camhs in Hampshire is not encouraging, Im afraid. My daughter also suffered from severe anxiety and finally managed to secure a referral to the local Camhs centre. She waited for over 8 months for an initial assessment, after refusing the numerous drugs the doctor wanted her to take, she did attempt some group therapy for her anxiety. For her, this wasn't successful, and she became more anxious about attending than she would have been anyway, no alternative was ever suggested by Camhs, and she received no further help from them. My advice would be to ensure that your son isn't forgotten about by Camhs, and if a treatment isn't working for him, make sure that they offer alternatives.

A waiting list for an autism assessment of 2 and half years is shocking, but a clear indication of just how overstretched and underfunding children's and young people's mental health services are.

AylesburyDuck

My son has Aspergers and was diagnosed via CAMHs through the NHS, i also joined a Facebook group for parents with Children on the Spectrum.
What was consistently noted was that some LA's and Schools would dismiss private diagnosis and would only go with an NHS one.
May be a good idea to check with your school/LA to find out what criteria is required of you.

shykins

we paid for our son to see a private childrens psychologist having waited over 2 years for him to see one through school, CAHMS etc

having got the diagnosis we used that to get him statemented at school enabling him to get the support he needed

we spoke to our GP who gave us some suggestions and then googled and found someone fairly local who saw us the following week

good luck

Spendless

We've recently discovered our local camhs has a drop in session. We were recommended by child's school to take this route rather than wait for the referral to come through as was told in our area can be upto 16 weeks. Worth checking if your area does this too.

Rubik

If you son is aged 11 or older, then he could access Off the Record which provides free support, infop and counselling for young people aged between 11 and 25. It also has a drop-in service. http://www.otr-south.org.uk/ - I'm sure OTR has services across England.

MamaBear5

Sorry life has gone at warp speed and I'm only just catching up! Thank you so much for all of your suggestions - I will look into them and see what I can do. I just worry that to others his symptoms aren't serious enough and he'll be pushed down the waiting list whilst he (and the rest of us) suffers

Rubik

MamaBear5 wrote: »

Sorry life has gone at warp speed and I'm only just catching up! Thank you so much for all of your suggestions - I will look into them and see what I can do. I just worry that to others his symptoms aren't serious enough and he'll be pushed down the waiting list whilst he (and the rest of us) suffers

I know exactly what you mean - it's so hard sometimes fighting to give your child a voice so they can get the support they need. Don't give up, the road may be rocky, but not impassable. (take it from an old Mum who's travelled quite a few rocky roads )

Your son is very fortunate to have such a loving, supportive Mum.

BargainJunky

My son was assessed for autism ealier this year. We were initially told the wait would be 20 weeks we waited nearly 9 months for the appointment and as far as I am aware the waiting list in my area is now running at 12 months.


We could have gone private and in hindsight I wish we had but I am not 100% sure that a private diagnosis is recognised fully.


Good luck on your journey sadly its a long slippery slope and if its anything like mine a very lonely one at times. You will find out who your true friends are and you will also loose a few due to their judgemental 'you should do this' attitude.

[Deleted User]

I was told by an adviser that Education authorities and schools can assume that because you as parents paid for the diagnosis service, you might have influenced anything they write. Stupid and very insulting to the professional writing the report, but apparently this is why such private assessments aren't always accepted.

I too wish I could get schools to do what the SEN code of conduct advises and view parents as the best resource as to what's happening with their child. Two ASD diagnosed Children and I am currently struggling to get a school to behave as they should so my son can attend school with less stress. Very unwilling to see that their behavours show a blindness to ASD.