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Trying to get a autism referral for my daughter.

Posted By Wittleeeyore

"Trying to get a autism referral for my daughter."

About: Borders General Practices

(as a service user),

Trying to get a autism referral for my child I went to the GP as stated on NHS website. The GP said I needed to get a report from the school myself and refer them to cheviot youth. I done this and the school nurse also went into the school. Even with the school report and a questionnaire I had done and all my concerns they decided that it was not enough and asked me to do even more.

No support no nothing. I spoke to the occupational therapy team and they do not understand why I've to do a self referral. Whilst all this is going on there is no support for my child and they do not see the point in trying to get help as nobody seems interested. The doctor never spoke to them at the initial appointment. The only person who has spoke to them has been the school nurse. My child appears to be very good at masking their true self while they are at school and my concern now is that nobody seems to be interested in helping but they are quite willing to let a child suffer. Appalling service received 

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Responses

Response from Karen Maitland, Clinical Service Manager - Primary Care, NHS Borders 9 months ago
Karen Maitland
Clinical Service Manager - Primary Care,
NHS Borders

Submitted on 13/07/2023 at 13:30
Published on Care Opinion at 13:30

Dear Wittleeeyore

I am very sorry to hear about the difficult time you have been having in getting a autism referral for your child. This must be a worrying enough time for you without having to be made to feel that nobody is interested in your child.

I would like to help you resolve this and ask that you please provide me with the details of your GP Practice, child's name and date of birth. Can you please contact me on 07816 369853 or karen.maitland@nhs.scot with this information as soon as you are able?

Thanks
Karen

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Update posted by Wittleeeyore (a service user)

The GP has since made a successful referral but the school nurse when I called to inform her is still saying they are having no involvement. I have had no communication from anyone since the referral letter came through so there is still no support there for either my child or myself.

Response from Karen Maitland, Clinical Service Manager - Primary Care, NHS Borders 9 months ago
Karen Maitland
Clinical Service Manager - Primary Care,
NHS Borders

Submitted on 26/07/2023 at 10:13
Published on Care Opinion at 10:13

Hi again Wittleeeyore

I am sorry to hear you are still having difficulties accessing help for your child. I have spoken to one of my colleagues who is a Team Leader in the School Nursing Team about your situation.

They have explained that School Nurses are unable to make an autism diagnosis, this is only done by the Neurodevelopmental Team at the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS).

Has your GP put the referral into CAMHS?

Regards

Karen

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Update posted by Wittleeeyore (a service user)

I know the school nursing team can not diagnose. It was the school nursing team who have now said they will not be working with my daughter and refused to put through a referral as they said it would be refused and wanted me to do self referrals. The GP put the referral through with the same (maybe less information as I'm not sure if the questionnaire done for the school nurse was sent) and it was accepted. When I spoke to CAHMS they informed me that they would not say a referral would be declined without having the referral. It's a very frustrating time when my child clearly needs some help and is getting nowhere.

Response from Karen Maitland, Clinical Service Manager - Primary Care, NHS Borders 9 months ago
Karen Maitland
Clinical Service Manager - Primary Care,
NHS Borders

Submitted on 26/07/2023 at 15:44
Published on Care Opinion at 15:44

I have spoken again with the School Nursing Team Lead and unfortunately the School Nursing Team are unable to support your child whilst you are awaiting the outcome from the referral to CAMHS. Your GP Practice will be in a similar position.

I appreciate that this is very frustrating for you and offer my apologies for your continued wait for support for your child.

As I do not work in Mental Health, I would be unable to comment on what else CAMHS could offer you and your child meantime so I would encourage you to make direct contact with the team.

Regards

Karen

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