NHS Tayside is a public healthcare provider for the Tayside region of Scotland. The organization provides a range of services including child and adolescent mental health services, learning disabilities, and disability services. Despite the importance of early intervention and diagnosis, NHS Tayside is refusing most new referrals for children suspected to have conditions like autism and ADHD.
The Impact on Families
The introduction of the new assessment system has sparked concerns about its impact on families. Many parents are worried about the potential effects on their children’s mental health and well-being. The pressure to perform well in the new system is believed to be causing stress and anxiety among students, which can have long-term consequences on their emotional and psychological development. • The new system is designed to be more rigorous and challenging, with a greater emphasis on standardized testing. • This has led to a significant increase in the number of students who are being referred to counseling services to help them cope with the pressure.
The Impact of the Diagnosis Delay on Families
The delay in diagnosing her son has had a profound impact on the family, particularly on Michaela Robertson’s children with autism. The lack of clarity and understanding about her son’s condition has led to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and uncertainty. • The Robertson family has had to navigate a complex and often confusing system, dealing with multiple assessments, evaluations, and diagnoses.
Michaela fears her other two children – aged 12 and six – will never get a diagnosis.
She was determined to find a treatment that would help her son overcome his condition.
It’s a huge problem that needs to be addressed.”
The State of Education Funding in Schools
The state of education funding in schools is a pressing concern that affects the quality of education provided to students. Mum’s words highlight the issue of underfunding, which can have far-reaching consequences on a student’s academic performance and future prospects.
The consequences of underfunding in schools can be severe and long-lasting. Some of the effects include:
Addressing the issue of underfunding in schools requires a multifaceted approach.
Further details on this topic will be provided shortly.
CAMHS can use a range of tools and techniques to assess and support children and young people without a formal diagnosis.