Accessing CAMHS: The Inclusion Initiative pilot study to enhance access of young people with social and communication difficulties with and without an autism diagnosis

Autistic children and young people are often referred to CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) for support and therapy but struggle to attend or to engage in what is offered. This pilot study undertaken by a CAMHS Mental Health practitioner sought to address this difficulty by offering home-based CAMHS services based on principles from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). A small sample of five young people aged from 12 to 16 years with social and communication difficulties who were on the waiting list for an autism assessment or had a diagnosis of autism, were recruited. The findings are very positive and encouraging and showed that all five increased their contact hours, felt the sessions were valuable and took part in both online and face to face meetings. A case study is presented on one of the young people. All the young people became involved and happier with their education plans. The first author plans to do a larger study to ascertain whether the findings can be replicated.