Parents of children with autism are advocating for increased funding for mental health services in the upcoming budget, with a group of organizations calling for €120 million to address the deficits in the system. Dublin mum Amanda Fox and Leitrim mum Jennifer Flaherty shared their concerns about the challenges faced by their children with autism, highlighting the urgent need for additional support.
Amanda Fox, a mother of three, opened up about her son Luke, who is 12 years old and requires full-time care due to being non-verbal and needing assistance with daily tasks such as using the toilet and feeding. She emphasized the constant vigilance required to care for Luke, noting that her life has completely changed as a result. Amanda expressed frustration with the difficult process of applying for help through the HSE, describing the paperwork as emotionally taxing. She had to close her cafe business to care for Luke and was granted a mere €20 per week in financial assistance, which she found demeaning and inadequate. Amanda stressed the need for changes in support services, particularly in the upcoming budget.
In Leitrim, Jennifer Flaherty spoke about her 11-year-old daughter Maggie, who also has autism and an intellectual disability. Jennifer highlighted the neglect faced by families like hers due to the lack of available services, calling for increased HSE funding to enhance the Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). She mentioned the absence of a CAMHS-ID service in their region, leaving them excluded from the system. Jennifer pointed out the challenges in accessing necessary support due to the HSE’s limited resources and urged for more teams to be established to assist families in need.
Subheadings:
Challenges Faced by Parents of Children with Autism
Advocacy for Increased Funding in the Budget
Call for Improvements in Mental Health Services
The stories of Amanda and Jennifer shed light on the struggles faced by families of children with autism and the urgent need for enhanced support services. As the budget proposal approaches, the voices of these parents serve as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing mental health care for individuals with autism.
