[senco-forum] CAMHS and "uncooperative" parents

our CAMHS has closed a case on a child with severe BESD. Although they

Now I'm wondering if one or both of this child's parents might also
have undiagnosed 'Adult ADHD' ...most likely this is of the
'distractible subtype' and to a degree that's highly significant in
this case. Why? Because this might help explain why they've failed to
attend their appointments at CAMHS despite being initially very
interested and involved.

Problem is 'Adult ADHD' has only recently begun to be diagnosed
routinely in the UK to a significant degree. Consequently there's a
chronic shortage of specialist doctors with adequate experience
treating this condition. This means there are an awful lot of adult
parents out there struggling with 'Adult ADHD'. Unfortunately we are
way behind the Americans with this, in much the same manner we were
way behind them regarding the diagnosis and appropriate treatment of
childhood ADHD some twelve to fifteen years ago.

So what's the solution? Well how about you talk this over with the
parents and offer to provide them with support that might help ensure
future appointments will be met -- support that's similar to what you
might routinely provide for ADHD children in your school. In other
words you could arrange to text the parents, call them, or perhaps
even have a taxi (or a sympathetic parent) go round and collect them
early on the day of their allotted appointment at CAMHS.

As for CAMHS, well may I suggest you tactfully point out these parents
are not being uncooperative and the problem they have with them not
turning up is in fact entirely of their own making. For it seems to me
CAMHS has assumed (wrongly) that ADHD doesn't have a genetic basis.
Consequently they've failed to take account of the fact a great many
ADHD childrens' parents are likely themselves struggling with
undiagnosed Adult ADHD. Furthermore these parents will be prone to
extremely low self-esteem as well. So if CAMHS has a problem with
parents who miss their childrens' appointments, it's really up to them
to use some uncommon sense (if they have any) and devise a parental
support system that serves to ensure appointments are NOT so easily
missed. Furthermore there is nothing to stop you putting this in
writing, in the form of an 'official complaint' marked for the
attention of the head of the National Health Service Trust that
overseas CAMHS.

If this doesn't work then how about contacting your MP, local
councilors and the press. Especially seek the backing of any local
ADHD support groups in your area. Finally as a measure of last resort
you'll just have to tell these people straight;

  "It's blatantly obvious to everyone that CAMHS' managers (the ones
  who oversee their appointment system) really are as thick as two
  short planks".

...now of course this last suggestion is unlikely result in their
changing their minds. But at least you'll feel a whole lot better
having finally got this of your chest!!!      ;-)

On a more serious note: It seems to me given CAMHS have set themselves
up as 'ADHD experts', so they have absolutely no excuse whatsoever
(and are possibly criminally negligent under the DDA) if they insist
all parents are required to use an 'Adult ADHD' unfriendly appointment
system.

Perhaps a call to the 'Disability Rights Commission's' help-line might
also bare fruit, especially if you or your local ADHD support group
follow this up with threats to prosecute CAMHS for disability
discrimination.

David Bowles

>  our CAMHS has closed a case on a child with severe BESD. Although they
> say they are not officially allowed to tell me, they have indicated that
> the case has been closed because the parent missed two appointments and,
> although initally very interested and involved, was then in some way 
> "uncooperative".
> This is the second time they have closed a case for these sort of reasons.
> They say they are under huge pressure (their waiting list is 1 year) and
> so must move on to other cases, rather than pursue those who dont turn
> up/cooperate.
> I have offered the school as a venue, even considered offerng staff to
> take him to appointments, although this sets a precedant we couldnt keep
> up. They reply that parental involvement is crucial. I entirely 
> understand this, but is the alternative nothing?  Surely at least some
> help could be given with the support of school staff who see the child 5
> hours a day?
> This child has a diagnosis of Tourettes and ADHD. What is the legal 
> situation? Does this child have no rights to medical treatment?
> His statement is in the process of being written. Can I ask for CAMHS to
> be written in? Would they then have to provide treatment/therapy?
> If this child's parent was disabled and couldnt get to CAMHS all sorts
> of agencies would be required to commit large  amounts resources to 
> ensuring access. Yet noone has time or money to spend on finding ways to
> enable and motivate this parent to access a service she and her son 
> desperately need. Almost inevitably in 20 years time the cycle will be
> repeated as this child becomes a parent. Is it any wonder that social 
> mobility is declining!
> Kate
> oops I'm meant to put things in full. CAMHS = Child and Adolescent 
> Mental Health Service. BESD= behavioural &, Emotional ,Social 
> Difficulties, ADHD =Attention Deficit Disorder.