AUTISM
In September 2023, there were 157,809 patients with an open referral for suspected autism. Of these, (85%) had a referral that had been open at least 13 weeks.
*NHS Digital*
Struggles with Mental Health, regardless of the positive or negative nature seems to be part of the journey through the teen years. A struggle shared communally by Young people, particularly those of the Autistic spectrum.
On top of the traditional struggles in this period of life, a young person may also feel they are fighting another battle with sensory issues, feeling overwhelmed and judged by peers. Comparing themselves to others can become second nature due to feeling painfully aware that they are viewed differently, or simply feel a bit ‘weird’.
The school environment is yet another battleground, with the demands placed on a person in the school environment with attending lessons, completing assignments, tests and exams. The combination of which can often prove too much, with children or young people refusing to attend school.
The M Word cic offers a variety of services, starting with an initial screening for both Autism, ADHD/ADD and PDA profile to help you decide whether it is worth proceeding with a private Clinical Psychologist to perform full diagnostic testing. The CAMHS process can be a lengthy journey, often taking 2-3 years from the initial screen to a 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.
Whilst it’s not required to have a formal diagnosis in order to have an EHCP, an initial screening through The M Word cic 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 your child with the best support possible.
Lavinia's background
Lavinia has worked extensively across CAMHS working in A&E (Bristol & Avon; Surrey, south London), Single Point Access (south London, Somerset), Community (Hampshire, Devon, Somerset, Surrey) and specialist (Surrey). At one point, services were so stretched that Lavinia worked across all three services (A&E, Community, ND clinic) in a week for over a year to support three different teams as a specialist practitioner screening where needed for Autism.
What is Our approach?
Lavinia’s model of care Emotional Problem Solving is a unique approach consisting of a combination of talking therapy embracing Social Role Valorisation (SRV), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), and Counselling.
SRV looks at the individual, their environment and the impacts on them both positively and negatively, and challenges negative perceptions and fixed beliefs. CBT challenges our negative thoughts and feelings, IPT explores our relationships and their impact, and Counselling teaches us to listen to ourselves.
Emotional Problem Solving consists of an initial assessment (1.5hrs) followed by further sessions (1hr +) through a choice of packages depending on your needs.
Your Clinical Nurse Therapist is only a phone call away if you need support through the therapy. Telephone, videolink, text, or email support continues to be offered throughout the therapy.
Lavinia has always asserted that “Mental Health affects everybody, not just anybody!” from the moment we are conceived to the moment we die. It is important to know ourselves really well to enable us to recognise the triggers that impact on our mental health, as well as our physical health, but also the right coping mechanisms that empower us, build our confidence and resilience.
What are the benefits?
- Empowering the client to regain control of their life without the use of medication (e.g., anti-depressants/anxiolytics) or negative coping mechanisms (e.g. alcohol/drugs/self-harm).
- Building a reliable relationship, maintain clients’ confidentiality
- Creating a safe space, remaining non-judgemental
- Upholding an open and honest connection
These are the key attributes to our success! We value each and every client as a unique individual. We treat each client as a VIP, as this starts the process of their recovery.
By being non-judgemental, maintaining confidentiality and discretion, we allow the client to relax immediately and not fear the stigma of mental health. The client is encouraged to talk freely and at length about their emotional problems.
Our clients often say they have been ‘given a licence’ to think about themselves. Many have commented on the comfort of the confidential and non-judgemental approach.
What is the role of Emotional Problem Solving Nurse Consultant?
- Helping Clients to identify problematic issues
- Help recognise the triggers that attacks their self-esteem
- Teach new positive coping mechanisms for life
- Provide a variety of support - telephone/text/email
hesitating is a temporary plaster, there is still time to make the first positive step!
If you are Autistic, or know of a Autistic individual struggling with mental ill health, despite having accessed a number of services, we may well be in a position to help and support you in your recovery.
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