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How can we improve the engagement and treatment of autistic children and those with social communication difficulties in the child and adolescent mental health service?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 December 2025

Nicki Lunstone Open the ORCID record for Nicki Lunstone [Opens in a new window] ,
Ching Li ,
Natalie Inker  and
Robert Quested
Nicki Lunstone*
Affiliation:
A cognitive–behavioural therapist in the North Bristol child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) and Autism Intensive Service, Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, Bristol, UK. Her specialist interest is in neurodiversity and inclusivity.
Ching Li
Affiliation:
A consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist in the North Bristol CAMHS, Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, Bristol, UK. Her specialist interest is in neurodiversity and autism spectrum conditions.
Natalie Inker
Affiliation:
A research assistant in the Research and Development Department of Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, Bristol, UK. Her specialist interests include neurodiversity, psychosis and overcoming barriers to psychological treatment.
Robert Quested
Affiliation:
An assistant psychologist working in the Research and Development Department of Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, Bristol, UK. His special interests are in neurodiversity, autism spectrum conditions and psychosis.
*
Correspondence Nicki Lunstone. Email: nicki.lunstone@nhs.net
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Summary

Children with social communication difficulties or an autism diagnosis and co-occurring mental health needs can struggle to access and engage in psychological treatment. This can have a negative effect on well-being and recovery. A service improvement pilot study investigated the impact of a values-focused intervention on the well-being of this patient group. Here, an anonymised clinical case demonstrates the key phases of the intervention. Reflections highlight the importance of a flexible and person-centred approach for these young people.

Keywords

Anxiety or fear-related disordersautism spectrum disorderschild and adolescent psychiatrychildhood experiencecommunity mental health teams

Information

Type
Clinical Reflection
Information
BJPsych Advances , First View , pp. 1 - 4
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Royal College of Psychiatrists

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References

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