Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2023
578. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health to outline what is currently being done to address discrimination against autistic children in mental health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49855/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to delivering real and tangible solutions to better support the needs of autistic people in Ireland. In answer to the Deputy’s question, treatment for ASD falls under Disability Services, however CAMHS can provide input and support Disability Services if there are mental health issues associated with the ASD. There are no plans for CAMHS to take on ASD cases where there is no evidence of a moderate to severe mental health disorder present.
When deciding if a child or adolescent needs to attend CAMHS, a number of factors are considered by the CAMHS Team. These include consideration of the child or adolescent’s clinical presentation, their level of social and family support and the availability of resources and treatment options at primary care level or within community networks. It is the role of the CAMHS team to decide if the child or adolescent reaches the threshold for community CAMHS.
The Autism Innovation Strategy which is currently in development, will provide for a holistic and agile approach which can effectively respond to our evolving understanding of autism and the wider policy context. The HSE is also working to bring about further improvements for people presenting with or living with autism. Following the commissioning and publication of the Review of the Irish Health Services for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (the Review), the HSE commenced implementation of a Service Improvement Programme for the Autistic Community based on the recommendations of the Review. A National Autism Programme Board was established with the responsibility for leading the implementation of the Review report recommendations.
In relation to mental health services for children and adults with autism, Recommendation 20 of Sharing the Vision highlights the need for further development of early intervention and assessment services in the primary care sector for children with ADHD and autism to include comprehensive multi-disciplinary and paediatric assessment and mental health consultation with the relevant community mental health team where necessary. This policy recommendation has been developed specifically to ensure that services are aligned so that children and their families can access the most appropriate care and supports, from the correct care providers, as soon as possible.
The implementation of this recommendation is in process. Phase 1 of the piloting of an autism assessment and intervention protocol is complete. This programme requires integration across all services, including mental health, and work is underway to develop a pathway to address recommendations arising from phase 1 and ensure pilot site buy in for phase 2 across all CHOs. It is important to note that mental health services are available to all children in this country, whether or not they have a diagnosis of an ASD or any other condition.
Access to CAMHS for children with ASD is specified in the CAMHS clinical operational guideline (COG), which was published in 2019 and sets out the core functions and remit of CAMHS. As such, any child with a moderate to severe mental health need, who also has a diagnosis of autism, can access CAMHS. There are some children and adolescents who may present with complex needs, including autism, and a moderate to severe mental disorder at the same time. Where the child or adolescent presents with a moderate to severe mental disorder, it is the role of CAMHS to provide appropriate multidisciplinary mental health assessment and treatment for the mental disorder. This may involve joint working or shared care with other agencies, including HSE Primary Care, Children’s Disability Network Teams and other agencies supporting children and adolescents.
In conclusion there are there are no plans for CAMHS to take on ASD cases where there is no evidence of a moderate to severe mental health disorder present.
