Damien Dalmayne: Navigating the Shadows of Autism and Mental Health

At 17, Damien Dalmayne’s world is a kaleidoscope of frustration, isolation, and a persistent shadow of despair. “There have been thoughts of me doing stuff to myself. I never did, but there were times when it got really hard,” he candidly admits, revealing the inner turmoil that has consumed him since the COVID lockdowns. For Damien, a diagnosis of autism combined with severe mental health struggles has made it an uphill battle just to find a semblance of peace.

The NHS and Mental Health: A System Overwhelmed

Damien’s challenges became more pronounced at 15, prompting a referral to the local NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in Greenwich. The referring pediatrician described Damien’s situation as “urgent.” Nonetheless, he faced a grim reality; his referral was rejected, redirecting him to social services instead—a decision that Damien suspects was influenced by his autism diagnosis. “It felt like they think they can’t help people with special needs,” he reflects, a sentiment echoed by countless families navigating similar paths.

Emma Dalmayne, Damien’s mother and a staunch advocate for better autism services, supports her son’s view. “CAMHS see autism and mental health as separate for some reason,” she explains. “If you’re mentally ill and autistic and go to a doctor, you’re told ‘we can’t see you because you have a neurological difference.’” This disconnect showcases a significant oversight in the NHS framework, where traditional mental health approaches fail to accommodate the unique needs of autistic individuals.

Voices of Concern and Confusion

Emma recalls a bewildered social worker calling her after the referral was redirected. “They said, ‘why have we been called?’ I said, ‘I don’t know.’” This confusion illustrates a systemic issue where mental health services struggle to integrate neurological differences into their care strategies. According to a study conducted by the National Autistic Society, only 33% of autistic children needing mental health interventions received appropriate support, highlighting the profound gap in care.

• Approximately 60% increase in CAMHS referrals from 2018 to 2023.
• 30% rise in CAMHS rejections during the same period.
• 16% of current CAMHS caseload includes autistic children with severe mental health needs.

Barriers to Care: A Personal Narrative

Damien’s experience with CAMHS left him feeling “inhuman.” The rejection meant he could not access specialist mental health services, forcing him to resort to private therapy funded through his disability benefits. “If I had waited six more months for therapy, I probably wouldn’t be here,” he says, a stark reminder of the potential consequences of delayed mental health support.

An anonymous CAMHS nurse argues that the system is failing children like Damien. “We certainly don’t do enough for children that have been diagnosed with autism in terms of their post-diagnostic support,” she states. “Sometimes, therapy is not always helpful; we need more holistic approaches.” This statement is supported by the findings from a recent report by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, indicating that children with autism are more likely to experience additional mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression, which require tailored interventions.

Strategies for Improvement

Despite the systemic failures, emerging strategies could enhance the care provided to autistic children with mental health issues. Some suggested improvements include:

• Integrating autism training within mental health services.
• Developing interdisciplinary teams that consider both autism and mental health needs.
• Implementing patient-centered therapy models that respect individual differences.

Emma Dalmayne remains committed to advocating for systemic change. “Autistic children are hurting and, tragically, some are killing themselves because they can’t access mental health support,” she states. Her fierce determination encapsulates the drive families possess to demand better resources and care for their loved ones.

Moving Forward: A Call for Awareness and Action

Despite the challenges, Damien holds onto hope for a brighter future, a sentiment that resonates deeply with many in similar struggles. “It’s not like just talking to a wall. Autistic children will listen and engage,” he insists, emphasizing that support systems must recognize the potential of individuals with autism rather than viewing their conditions as insurmountable barriers. With proper care and understanding, lives can be transformed and futures secured.

This evolving narrative in mental health service access showcases a critical need for urgency and responsiveness. As Emma Dalmayne states passionately, “If we keep fighting, we might just change the landscape for autistic children seeking mental health support. We have to do everything we can to change it.” With active advocacy, awareness, and a commitment to systemic reform, there remains a glimmer of hope for pathways that lead not only to survival but to thriving.

Source: news.sky.com