“Accumulating harm and waiting for crisis”: Parents’ perspectives of accessing Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services for their autistic child experiencing mental health difficulties

Background
Autistic children and young people are at increased risk of mental health difficulties, but often face barriers when seeking help from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). The present study aimed to 1) explore the experiences of parents/carers seeking help from CAMHS for their autistic child’s mental health difficulties, and 2) gain parents’ perceptions of the accessibility of CAMHS for their child.
Methods
A mixed-methods survey design was used. 300 parents/carers took part from across the United Kingdom. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data using qualitative content analysis.
Results
Findings demonstrated ongoing struggles that parents/carers faced when seeking help from CAMHS. Those who were referred reported a lack of reasonable adjustments and offers of ineffective or inappropriate therapies. Ultimately, parents felt their child’s mental health difficulties either did not improve or declined to the point of crisis. However, there was a recognition that some professionals were kind and compassionate.
Conclusions
There is a need for a more neuro-inclusive and personalised approach in CAMHS. Further research, funding, and training are urgently needed to ensure support is accessible, timely, and effective for autistic young people.