Herefordshire CAMHS Learning Disability Service
The CAMHS learning disability service is made up of a range of professionals who specialise in supporting young people who have a diagnosis of a learning disability, and their families. This includes, clinical psychologists, CAMHS practitioners with a background in different therapies, and learning disability psychiatrists.
We aim to help young people and their families when they have become stuck in patterns of interacting that is causing the family, including the young person, distress. We understand that young people with learning disabilities may use their behaviour to communicate their needs and ultimately their distress. As such, we support families to explore the reasons for a young person’s behavioural or emotional difficulties, including: communication difficulties, autism, sleep problems, sensory issues, family or relationship difficulties and stressful life events. Families are then in a better position to think about any changes that they may want to make. Where appropriate we aim to help young people to develop a better understanding of their own emotions and behaviour through 1:1 sessional work adapted to meet the needs of the young person.
Once we have received a referral, young people and their families are offered an initial meeting (usually at one of our bases across the county) lasting for up to 1½ hours. The appointment letter includes some forms for families to complete, which help us gather information before the first appointment. The aim by the end of this appointment is to develop collaborative goals to supporting the family.
We work with other agencies and professionals and where families have given permission, we will contact relevant professionals as appropriate. All our meetings with families and young people are confidential unless we are concerned that somebody within the family (including the young person) or someone else is at significant risk of coming to harm.