In this section we will bust some common myths
ADHD and Autism Team (AAT), Elm House, Macclesfield:
- Myth: CAMHS and the AAT are the same
- Buster: Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust ADHD and Autism Team, known as AAT – For children and young people 4- 18 Autism Assessments and 6-16 ADHD living in East Cheshire: This service is an assessment and diagnostic team for ADHD and Autism, and ADHD medication prescribing and monitoring only. Please do not wait for your next appointment with this team if you have concerns about your child’s mental health and wellbeing.
If you are concerned about your child’s mental health and wellbeing then please speak to your child’s school about accessing the Mental Health in Schools Team or a referral can be requested to the CYP Mental Health Hub via your; school nurse, GP or any other professional involved with your child. If you require urgent advice and support then please contact the CWP 24/7 All Age Urgent Mental Health Helpline: Freephone: 0800 145 6485.
For pre and post Autism diagnosis support you need to register with Space4Austim. Currently there is no commissioned pre and post diagnosis support for children and young people who are waiting for an assessment or who have received a diagnosis of ADHD.
Child and Adolescent Mental health Service -CAMHS
This service works with children and young people 0-18 who have an enduring mental health issue. They offer different types of therapy depending on presentation and in the most person centred way.
- Myth: Parental voice doesn't matter or isn't taken into account
- Buster: We always listen and consider the views from parents as they are the experts about their child
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Myth: Labelling is negative.
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Buster: A diagnosis can be helpful to a child/ young person and their family, as well as to the wider network, as it helps to provide understanding. The assessment aims to be person centred to identify areas of strengths and needs, so the child/ young person can be supported to be the best they can be whether they receive a diagnosis or not.
- Myth: You have to wait for a diagnosis before applying for an EHCP
- Buster: This is not true. Before a referral into the ADHD/ASC team CWP we would hope that school have provided all reasonable adjustments and the young person has a SEND Profile which has been reviewed. We would also hope that school have requested support from the Cheshire East Autism Team (CEAT) team and Educational Psychologist, Mental Health Support team. It is important the graduated approach is followed in the first instance, this can be viewed on the Local Offer.
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Myth: You have to have done a parenting course to be placed on a waiting list for Autism
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Buster: This is not true. The ADHD and ASC team do not have this as a criteria for the referral to be submitted. We would ask that the graduated approach is followed in the first instance, this can be viewed on the Local Offer
- Myth: You should keep it secret that your child is on the pathway in case other parents complain
- Buster: This is not true. As a parent you can tell who you wish about the needs of your child.
- Myth: Only schools/Early Years professionals could apply for an EHCP
- Buster: This is not true. As health professionals we are not able to request an or recommend an EHCP. A professional can do a SEND notification. Application for an EHCP and the process can be found on the local offer EHCP page
