This week in the Chamber I asked the Health Minister, Simon Burns MP, a question. The question was on autism and mental health, an issue which causes many people concern. There seems to be an approach amongst some health care professionals in the CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) that you can either have a mental health issue or autism, but not both. As a result, there are those who are only treated for one or another. This approach leaves many young and vulnerable people not getting the help they need. (CAMHS is the medical department responsible for helping young people who have mental health issues).
The question I asked was seeking to establish whether the Government would prioritise improving specialist provision for with autism within CAMHS as only 11% of services do have such specialist provision. Young people need this extra support and we should not presume that having autism means you cannot have a mental health issue too.
The Minister agreed with me that something needs to be done and indicated that reform could be within a year. I will hold the Government to account on this, as I am keen to see change for the better as soon as possible.
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