Healthcare
You may have seen that recently I started a petition regarding the national shortage of ADHD medication. There are a lot of stories surrounding why this shortage has happened. In this article I will be exploring insights from a conversation I have had with an anonymous whistle blower in the
Healthcare
When it comes to Autistic people and the experience of pain, there is a lot to be said. Many of us anecdotally report having a mixed profile of hypo- and hypersensitivity to different kinds of pain. Unfortunately, the experience of pain is not one well understood by medical professionals. This
Mental Health Treatment Rights
In previous articles I have spoken extensively about the myriad ways in which Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) fail Autistic people. So, can CAMHS actually help our Autistic children? The truth is that like everything, different people will have different experiences. Despite this there are some significant challenges
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
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
General Wellbeing
This article highlights the failure of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in providing appropriate support to Autistic children and young people, leading to devastating outcomes. The lack of resources, staff competence, and understanding of neurodivergent experiences contribute to t
disability
Is CAMHS Accessible? What do the people who have tried to access it have to say? All of this and more is answered in this article.
Mental Health Treatment Rights
The first report on Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) reveals troubling issues with understanding and supporting Autistic individuals. The author's personal experience highlights the long-winded referral system, dismissive psychiatrists, pressure for medication, and blame for schoo