My son has symptoms of ADHD since the age of 8. I have experienced weekly school complaints regarding his behaviour, but with more emphasis on how this affects 'other children'. Until now my child has only ever received complaints but no support, which as a parent is incredibly disappointing.
I was so thrilled to hear about CAMHS and their Services / Mission in working with 'all children, adolescents and families referred to them to have access to the most appropriate form of psychological help'. However, I am finding that even when a child is clearly recognised as having an issues, through school and referred by the Doctor the waiting time for acknowledgement from CAMHS is on average 18 months. My issue is that 18 months for a child who is struggling and being ostracised by peers is a long wait! My Doctor has now made 2 calls to the CAMHS team to find out how my son's appointment is coming on and has been told that he has another minmum 6 months before being seen. To put this in perspective, my Son will be nearly at the end of his Schooling before he is offered help from the CAMHS team. The stress and anxiety of not being able to focus at the most crucial time in his education is extremely disheartening, and does not align with the mission nor the service being advertised by CAMHS. My GP actually feels so much empathy and has repeated told me that their hands are tied as this is the CAMHS team area of expertise.
How do I feel? Disappointed, let down, saddened by the hope that I felt in my son would receive the help he needs to constantly being de-prioritsed and overlooked by a service that is failing to provide the specialist support that is required.
How does my son feel - abandoned, pushed aside, helpless and that no-one cares.
"Lack of available support"
About: CAMHS - Scotland, North Lanarkshire
Posted by Fretful Parent (as ),
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