Autistic children are failed by the NHS, claims national charity
Hundreds of children with autism are being let down by the NHS, according to a national charity.
The National Autistic Society said research revealed that more than seven out of ten children with the condition were needlessly developing mental health problems because they could not get the help they needed.
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Mark Lever, chief executive of the society said children were often failed because their mental health issues could be difficult to diagnose.
The charity called for Government action to make sure there was autism training for mental health workers. It also wants specialist support for youngsters and their families.
It is estimated there are about 9,500 children and adults with autism in Leicestershire.
The campaign is being backed by Anne Lewis, 46, of Loughborough, who has been trying for years to get help for her son, Thomas. She said: "I have been fighting for understanding, services and support.
"It has brought me to the brink of a breakdown."
Thomas was ten when he was diagnosed with autism by doctors with child and adolescent mental health services at Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust.
But it had taken nine months to get the first appointment and another two years to get a diagnosis. His autism means Thomas has no awareness of danger and if he becomes distressed he tends to smash doors and punch walls.
Mrs Lewis, who has twice given up a university degree course to look after Thomas, said there had been times when she had had to call the police for help because no crisis help had been available from Leicestershire's mental health services. She said: "At one school, Thomas broke 17 windows in one day, but he has not been able to get support from child and adolescent mental health services for his problems. His education has suffered as a result and he has been out of school for a total of three years."
Thomas is now in a residential school and is getting support for his autism but no help for his mental health problems.
Mrs Lewis said she had tried to get an appointment for mental health specialists to see Thomas at home or school as he became very anxious in unfamiliar surroundings but requests had been refused.
She said: "No one seems to work together and the mental health system just isn't patient-centred."
The Leicestershire Partnership NHS said assessment, diagnosis, treatment and support for young people with autism formed a "significant proportion" of work carried out by its children and adolescent mental health service teams.
The trust said: "Priority is given to children and young people who are referred to the service with acute and urgent clinical needs. These cases are seen within two weeks while others are provided with a routine triage appointment."
The trust said it offered round-the-clock crisis support and worked with agencies to improve services for patients with autism and their families.
4 Comments
by Kotecha, Leicester
Friday, June 11 2010, 1:31PM
“We have a six year old Autistic son, who hasn't been seen by Speech & Language for over two years. They don't even respond to my letters. Bridge Park Plaza in particular.”
by DonHenson, leicestershire
Friday, June 11 2010, 7:20AM
“The Partnership Trust fails to recognise that it has far too few staff working in the child and adolescent mental health services, about 75% fewer than recommended by the last government.
Trouble is it believes its own rhetoric, just like governments. Kids diagnosed too late are more likely to have additional mental health problems. The Trust is complacent. We've seen it in the media over adult services with people dying as a result. Now we're seeing it in childrens services.
Ann Lewis has a more realistic view. She's living through it.”
by Withheld, Countesthorpe
Thursday, June 10 2010, 4:45PM
“We've had the misfortune to need the help of the mental health services on a number of occasions over the past year. Perhaps we've just been very lucky but we've been extremely happy with the help, support and treatment provided to our family member by the Brandon Mental Health Unit at the General and the PIER team. On one occasion we had to ask for help from the crisis team in the middle of the night and I can't speak highly enough of them.”
by anon, Loughborough
Thursday, June 10 2010, 12:45PM
“Children with autism are let down by the system even after diagnosis.My eight year old grandaughter who is autistic goes to a special school for children with this condition. She is supposed to recieve regular assessments and language tuition, both fields are being ignored and when questioned about this by her mother,she was told by the person resposible for this that an assessment result had been submitted on the childs behalf. How can you do this when no assessment has been made? These children deserve better than this, they don't ask to be classed as autistic, it is a condition that they are born with. Let us be fair to ALL children regardless.”