Trauma
The campaign against Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services failures for Autistic children highlights the impact on children, but what about parent carers? Burnout, reduced engagement with professionals, and mental health issues are common. This can lead to safeguarding concerns, blame shifting
Neurodiversity
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) have significantly long wait times, with over 400,000 children on waiting lists as of May 2023. Autistic children face worsened mental health, increased crisis risk, disrupted development, and reduced service engagement. To improve wait times, ther
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
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
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
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
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
Autism
Autistic burnout is a unique struggle for each individual, impacting cognitive and physical resources. Recovery involves understanding personal needs, setting protective boundaries, avoiding excessive limitations, and allowing time for focused activities. Celebrating small victories and seeking ment
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
Trauma
Late-diagnosis of autism may be driving a mental health crisis that could cost lives. Is it possible to mitigate this effect?