Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects people's behaviour. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse.

Symptoms of ADHD tend to be noticed at an early age and may become more noticeable when a child's circumstances change, such as when they start school. The NHS website has lots of helpful information about ADHD: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/

Many children go through phases where they're restless or inattentive. This is often completely normal and does not necessarily mean they have ADHD. If you think your child's behaviour may be different from most children of their age, you should discuss your concerns with their teacher and/or their school's special educational needs coordinator (SENCO).

In order that your child /the child in your care can be assessed for ADHD, they will need to be referred to CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service). Click on the link to download a ‘Letter for Parents’, which explains how to seek a referral.

Unless the child has significant medical issues, the school is best placed to make this referral. Click on the link to download a ‘Letter for the Head Teacher’. You need to add the Child’s name and date of birth and send it to them. We recommend you speak directly to the school and if it helps, you can show them the ‘Parents’ letter.

CAMHS needs specific information about your child’s behavioural problems, educational needs and which behavioural approaches have been tried. As the school observes and teaches your child day to day, they are able supply this information.

Once they receive the referral from the school, CAMHS will then consider the information and arrange an appointment for a formal assessment if they agree it is going to be helpful for your child.

Unfortunately, in the past, we have found that our GP referrals have often been rejected as we don’t have access to the vital information required.

Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave.

Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is described as a developmental disorder because symptoms generally appear in the first 2 years of life.

Unfortunately, the exact cause of ASD is unknown. However, there is evidence to suggest that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of ASD including genetic links, chemical imbalances in the brain and additives in food.

Unfortunately, there is no typical or prescribed medication that is able to relieve the symptoms of ASD. However, there are other alternative treatments available including:

• Parent training
• Social skills training
• Applied behavioural analysis
• Speech and language therapy
• Sensory integration therapy

Many individuals with ASD also suffer some form of sensory sensitivity, such as not liking the smell of something or the feel of labels in their clothes. 

They may also have a special interest that they can hyperfocus on.

The NHS Website has lots of helpful information about Autism: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/

The Child Development Centre (CDC) provides autism assessments for children from 18 months to 8 years of age.

The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) provides autism assessments for children between 9 and 17 (up to 18^th birthday).

Both services need specific information about your child’s behavioural and linguistic problems, educational needs and any behavioural approaches that have been tried so far.

As the school (or nursery) observes and teaches your child day to day, they are able to supply the information required by CDC or CAHMS, and so are best placed to make a referral for assessment. The GP only gets involved in the process if the child has significant medical problems.

We recommend that you speak directly to your child’s school (or nursery) and if it helps, you can download and show them this letter

Integrated Prevention and Earliest Help (IPEH) is available to support families and children with all sorts of problems that can affecting emotional health, behaviour, early or mild mental health problems. IPEH professionals can create an Early Help Plan

Early Help Plans

What is an Early Help Plan (EHP)?

It is a combination of 

• the assessment
• the outcomes everyone hopes to achieve, including the child/ren or young person/s
• the action plan

Following an assessment, the next step is to agree with the family what would improve their situation, and think of actions that could start to make things better.

Details of Early Help services for West Sussex can be found by clicking here.

School Counselling and support can be found through your child’s school.

Ask to talk to the form teacher, the head teacher or the head of pastoral care for advice. They should be able to explain how your child can access the help that is available.

Schools can initiate an Early Help Plan, which helps children, and their families get access to help when emotions and behaviours are difficult to manage.

The Bridge is a Youth Support Service based at The Academy, School Lane, Selsey.

Youth Emotional Support (YES) is a free service for young people aged 11-18 who have issues that affect their wellbeing.

YES can help with issues such as-

• Self-harming
• Low mood and mild depression
• Anxiety
• Low Self-esteem

They now have a single point of access referral page, where you can ask for help. 

Find out more at the Find it Out Centre at YourSpace website for young people

Young Peoples' Mental Health is also support by Coastal West Sussex MIND

CAMHS is a specialist service provided for children and young people under the age of 18, who have moderate or severe mental health conditions or for a child or young person who is having suicidal thoughts or behaviours. 

Children and Young people usually get referred to CAMHS when other support or approaches have not helped and when two or more areas of life are affected eg at school and at home. 

Although GPs can refer to CAMHS, you don’t need to see a GP to find out if your child is eligible to be referred to CAMHS-

The professional who works with your child or knows the most about them eg the Teacher, School Counsellor, the School Nurse, a Social Worker is the best person to contact the Community MH Liaison Service advice line to discuss the best way forward. 

Community Mental Health Liaison Service (CMHLS) is an advice and guidance line available for any professional working with a child or young person under the age of 18, who is experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties.

CMHLS advice line Tel number: 03003040304

Email: spnt.cmhlserviceaccesspoint@nhs.net

Psychosis in a Young Person can be very worrying and frightening.

Getting professional help as soon as possible leads to to the best chance of recovery

A young person developing psychosis will have their own unique set of symptoms and experiences, according to their particular circumstances.

If you are concerned that you or a young person close to you might be suffering from a psychosis, follow the link, check the signs and symptoms, and talk to the GP or phone the Early Intervention in Psychosis Service for advice and access to help.

Four main symptoms are associated with a psychotic episode:

• hallucinations
• delusions
• confused and disturbed thoughts
• lack of insight and self-awareness

For a young person causing concern with possible psychosis symptoms, anyone can refer them or they can refer themselves to;

Early Intervention Psychosis Service (EIP)

The Bedale Centre, 1 Glencathara Rd, Bognor Regis PO21 2SF.

tel 0300 3040374

For more information look at the EIP website.