Many young people struggle with their mental health, particularly those on the autistic spectrum. A young person may feel that they are struggling due to sensory issues and feeling overwhelmed and judged by their peers, or compare themselves to their peers aware that they are viewed differently, or feel a bit weird. The demands placed on a person in the school environment with attending lessons, doing homework, and completing tests and exams may prove too much with children or young people refusing to attend school.
The M Word can offer an initial screening for both ASC, ADHD/ADD and PDA profile to help you decide whether it is worth proceeding with a private Clinical Psychologist to perform full diagnostic testing. We are aware of the lengthy process with CAMHS (often taking 2-3 years from initial screening to confirmed diagnosis).
Once you have identified the educational and health needs of your child, you are able to apply for an Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP) through your local authority. While you do not need to have a formal diagnosis in order to have an EHCP, an initial screening through The M Word means that the advisories around your child’s mental health needs can be put into the EHCP as recommendations and provide information for a future private Clinical Psychologist or Psychiatrist, and for the child’s school, to provide the best support possible.
