I am desperately trying to get help for my son age 13 who has learning difficulties and who is depressed and suffering anxiety attacks regularly, he thinks he's seriously ill and keeps complaining of pain in his head, his heart, fingers and toes and for the past 11 weeks we have been waiting for him to be seen by the CAMHS team. The wait has been agonising having to see him distressed all the time, it's got so bad that I'm not even allowed to touch him because he cries out "dont touch me it hurts". I was told today by a Doctor at CAMHS that they could not see my son because he has learning difficulties and that there are no services available to children like my son anywhere in Wales, I was told to have him referred to a paedeatrician but we saw one at the start and he couldn't help him and told me CAHMS would help  him because he wasn't qualified.My son is in desperate need of help, I am convinced he has Aspergers and really feel hitting puberty has brought everything to a head. I have contacted my Doctor, His school, the hospital and I dont know where else to go. He is managing to go to school and is managing to hide a lot of the anxiety but once he arrrives home each day he is pacing the house, can't sit down, and he's started making this noise clearing his throat and he was doing it every 5 seconds tonight. He told me yesterday " I think this is it for me Mum". I am so distressed that I have had to go sick from work, I can't carry on seeing my son suffer in this way, he needs help, we all do. Please somebody advise me what I can do!

Hi Tracey,

Thank you for sharing your story with us on the Mencap families forums. It sounds like you and your son are going through a really difficult time at the moment, and struggling to get the professional support that you really need. You mention that your son has learning difficulties - has he ever received a diagnosis? And how long have you suspected he may have Asperger's - does your son's school take a similar view? 

Hopefully some other parents will have some advice to share with you here. In the meantime, you can always contact the Learning Disability Helpline on 0808 808 1111 if you'd like to talk to someone directly. Please do remember that you're not alone, and do keep us updated on any changes in your situation.

With very best wishes,

Rachel

Hi Tracey,

This is slightly tricky as you are in Wales and without knowing the exact area it is hard to give specific advice. If you are in Carmarthenshire, a referral would be made to the Children's Assessment Team (I assume all counties will have one), by law they have to respond within 7 working days (mum could also self-refer), contact would also be made with the Complex Needs Co-ordinator, located within the Children's Disability Teams. I'd also suggest getting in touch with the Carers Champion and Carers Development officer in the area to support your case and hopefully speed up the whole process of getting you the help you so desperately need. If you could fill us in with a few more details then hopefully we can help further...

Best wishes,

 Lucy

Hi Tracey

I have an 11 year old, whose behaviour was of concern at a very early age. I battled with the professionals as was convinced there was something wrong. He has now been diagnosed with Aspergers syndrome - so he SHOULD now get the support he deserves.

My turning point was a very clued up teacher in year 4 primary, and then the school paedeatrician.. then onto diagnosis, but it took years..

I hope you get the support you need, take care