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I discussed autism-related communication issues, and my needs (structured sessions, purpose clearly identified, unambiguous questions) with the #CMHT (UK) but changes we agreed werenât honoured. I was even given paperwork with someone elseâs information on it. Zero confidence.
1/ https://twitter.com/smarsching/status/1323207902610542592
1/ https://twitter.com/smarsching/status/1323207902610542592
My partner came to one #CMHT appointment but was too upset by the lack of professionalism to attend again. I found an advocate, but had the #MH team understood #autism this wouldnât have been necessary. My âlead professionalâ was inexperienced, poorly trained and hostile.
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This hostility stemmed from my objection to unstructured sessions with no clear purpose. Itâs easy to acquire a âdifficultâ label but hard to shake it off. Then I was allocated a âmore experiencedâ worker whoâd only ever worked with autistic people with learning disabilities.
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At the start of lockdown I decided not to continue to try and get a #MH service via the #CMHT. I was having to educate them about #autism, and I didnât have the energy for that. I was also aware of the increased pressure on their service due to #Covid19 so I opted to withdraw.
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Many #autistic people with #MH issues are faced with an inadequate #NHS service, accessing private paid-for treatment, or getting no help at all. A few people have a good NHS experience, but this is by luck not design. #autismIAPT is a thing now, we need #autismCMHT too.
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