The Fight for Mental Health Support

Damien Dalmayne, a 17-year-old autistic boy, found himself in a dire mental health crisis during the COVID-19 lockdowns. His struggles with mental health became so severe that he contemplated self-harm, a situation that underscored the urgent need for support. At 15, Damien was referred to the NHS’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), with a paediatrician emphasizing the urgency of his case. However, CAMHS rejected his referral, redirecting him to social services instead, a decision Damien believes was influenced by his autism diagnosis.

A System Designed to Exclude

The rejection by CAMHS had profound implications for Damien, denying him access to essential therapeutic support. His mother, Emma Dalmayne, noted the systemic issue where autism and mental health are treated as separate entities, leading to a lack of appropriate care. A CAMHS nurse revealed that some staff hold misconceptions about autism, often attributing mental health issues to the condition rather than addressing them as separate concerns. This approach leaves many autistic individuals without the specialized help they need.

The Impact of Rejection and Inaccessibility

Damien’s experience with CAMHS left him feeling unsupported and "inhuman." He resorted to using his disability benefits for private therapy, emphasizing that delays in accessing help could have been life-threatening. The financial burden and emotional toll highlight the gaps in the system, where autistic individuals often face rejection and inadequate care. Damien’s story illustrates the human cost of a system that frequently fails to meet the needs of its most vulnerable members.

A Mother’s Campaign for Change

Emma Dalmayne’s advocacy stems from her son’s ordeal and her broader concerns about the exclusion of autistic individuals from mental health services. She fears that without access to proper support, many autistic children and adults may suffer severe consequences, including self-harm or suicide. Her campaign seeks to challenge the systemic barriers that prevent autistic individuals from receiving the care they deserve, calling for a more inclusive and compassionate approach within the NHS.

The Broader Picture Across the UK

The challenges faced by Damien are not isolated. Data shows a 60% increase in CAMHS referrals between 2018 and 2023, with rejections rising by 30%. Autistic individuals are more likely to experience mental health issues, yet many are denied access to appropriate services. A lack of transparency from health trusts makes it difficult to assess the scale of the problem, but the experiences of Damien and others paint a clear picture of a system in crisis.

The Need for Systemic Change

The systemic issues within CAMHS require comprehensive reform to ensure autistic individuals receive adequate mental health support. Increasing staff training and challenging misconceptions about autism are crucial steps. Emma Dalmayne’s campaign and Damien’s story serve as a call to action, urging the NHS to address these gaps and provide inclusive care. The need for systemic change is urgent, as the lives and well-being of many depend on it.