Mental Health Treatment Rights
Your child has been referred to CAMHS, but what are you supposed to do now? This article contains advice on interactions and questions you should be asking professionals.
Neurodiversity
"Psychosis adds an interesting spiciness to this experience. When I start sinking, my brain tells me that someone else is pulling me under. This is the type of delusions I experience. They are persecutory in nature, meaning that my mind creates elaborate and bizarre conspiracies in which I am the vi
neurodivergent
David and Katie with Bird Sellergren and Jaesic Wade
Mental Health Treatment Rights
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in the UK have been failing Autistic children, leading to tragic outcomes. At least 46 children died under CAMHS care, with inadequate community support contributing to further deaths post-discharge. Autistic individuals face a higher risk of suici
disability
Is autism a disorder? This has been a point of contention for a long time. In this article, David explores this question through his own experience.
neurodivergent
David and Katie Munday
Autism
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) have repeatedly failed Autistic children, particularly through diagnostic overshadowing. This practice involves attributing symptoms to autism, denying necessary support, exacerbating trauma, and contributing to elevated suicide risks. Families als
Neurodiversity
As I write this, our petition to try and trigger positive change in CAMHS for the way the treat Autistic children sits at around 212,000 signatures. That is not far off of a quarter of a million people for whom their systemic failures are more than a story or
Autistic Wellbeing
Autism and substance use is an area that received little discussion in wider society. In my own experience, their is an assumption that Autistic people are less likely to use drugs, however growing bodies of research are beginning to show what I have said for many year; substance use is
Trauma
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) are notorious for failing to support Autistic children and young people. I have recently explored that Autistic families have a particularly difficult time accessing their services. One of the most common reactions from CAMHS professionals working with Autistic service users is that the
Neurodiversity
Mental Health Awareness Week leaves Autistic people feeling unheard and ignored. Despite years of advocating for better mental health support, Autistic individuals still face systemic barriers. This week should be more than just raising awareness – it's time to demand systemic change and meaningful
Neurodiversity
Autistic families face significant barriers when seeking support from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), with only 10% of patients being Autistic despite 70% of Autistic children experiencing mental health issues. The service lacks accessibility, attentiveness, and understanding of