"Relationship Development Intervention"

My GP referred by child for an autism specific programme, assessment for which was to take place outside the PCT area - as is common. The accepting PCT is the only place that provides this service in the UK, so was a necessary referral. My PCT agreed to the first stage funding for assessment and checks. My child took part, travelled to clinic on many occasions, was seen by several experienced professionals. It was not easy and opened up emotional difficulties. Finally it was agreed by the specialists that my child was a good candidate for therapy and they recommended he should receive it. That was years of waiting over - until Wandsworth PCT refused to commission the actual therapy, despite commissioning the assessments for the therapy. What a waste of money for the NHS if they don't follow through. What a lack of concern about my child's needs.

My local CAMHS service were asked their opinion. They had done so little CPD they had never heard of the therapy or my child. The commissioning manager had never heard of it either, and so blocked it, despite not being a medically qualified person. The service's handling of my concerns was uncaring and lacking in sensitivity.

Not only did the PCT not agree to fund, they also didn't offer anything else in its place, so my child now has nothing at all.

I have put in a complaint (again, yet another), but of course it takes months and all the while my child is not getting help. The receiving PCT have done no more, because they are not funded to do it. Nor do they offer it as a private service.

This is yet another decision made on non-clinical grounds and also smacks of some kind of professional 'nose out of joint' behaviour from CAMHS. I have been told their immediate response was why should my child get 'special treatment' over and above other local kids and they could offer an equally effetive treatment. However they have not offered anything and should be ashamed that I as a parent seem to know more than they about what is an established and growing therapy in the UK. Yet again parents are at the cutting edge of research and therapies for ASD and it's seems the NHS just drag along behind until they are forced to sit up and take notice.