Dr Shaikh Haq 2014-07-09 Person 5 5 0

For at least 5 years I had been trying to get help from the NHS for our son Michael) now aged 12. In 2012 we were eventually sent to see a NHS CAMS psychiatrist who advised, after a number of sessions that he had Autism Spectrum Disorder. Following discussions with the psychiatrist it was agreed that as the ASD was under control there was no need for any further consultations, however at any-time we could approach the CAMS team for additional support. 2 years later we were having real problems with Michael’s behaviour at school (sent out of lessons, inappropriate behaviour, lack of attention, alienating himself from other pupils and rudeness to name a few). We contacted CAMS, who advised that as Michael had been discharged we would need a referral via his GP. This we got asking for an urgent appointment, unfortunately the CAMS, a sincere and apologetic doctor advised that as Michael had been diagnosed he could not be treat as urgent and it would be at least 10 weeks before we received an appointment, this was due to no NHS budget increases for at least 10 years whilst having a significant increase in workload. I contacted my private Company Health Insurance who advised we were not covered as ASD was considered mental health. That is the background to our case. We decided to seek advice from private health care; Dr Haq was suggested to us by both a Dr and educational body so we contacted him. Initially, Dr Haq and I discussed Michael’s problems over the phone; this was for a considerable amount of time and was without charge. Following our discussions we arranged a consultation. Michael and I met Dr Haq one Saturday morning for an hour long consultation, unfortunately dad was away so could not attend. Dr Haq spoke to Michael and myself and then just to myself. He put Michael totally at his ease; Dr Haq was calm and relaxed with Michael but so observant. At the end of the hour Dr Haq gave me his initial thoughts but asked that school, parents and Michael completed a number of forms which were used to assist in confirmation of diagnosis. His initial diagnosis being that Michael had ASD but also ADHD, the two quite often go hand in hand and is more prominent in boys. We met (including dad) again with Dr Haq following completion of the forms this was about 3 weeks later, in the interim we had had a few conversations with Dr Haq regarding how Michael was doing at no charge. At this consultation Dr Haq went through the forms that had been completed by school, Michael and parents. He confirmed his initial diagnosis and discussed treatment options. We asked for his opinion on treatment, he was very open and honest, what touched me was that he treat every child as if it were his own and also said every child should be given a chance, the side effects of tablets – potential weight loss if not taken at right time. We discussed with Michael and agreed to give the medication a 4 week try. What a difference a month made, it is like having a different child when he is on the medication, you can reason with him, he is focussed, happy, I actually heard him singing – something he has never done! School well they say he is so much calmer, interactive, behaviour better, academically better, not been sent out of class and when he comes home he is happy. We have just had a third consultation with Dr Haq for ½ an hour; we are trying to get Michael back into the NHS system and for his medication to be prescribed by his GP “shared care”. Dr Haq will always be there for us, we can contact him at any time. He has been brilliant, I cannot recommend him enough, he has been the answer to our prayers, Basically, the top and bottom of it is, we would have still have been waiting to see a NHS CAMS psychiatrist (not their fault) but by seeking private health guidance in a 8 week period we now have a son who has benefitted so much from the medication (can actually tell when he has missed a tablet), school is very happy and he has actually asked for a birthday party with children from school – never before requested. Yes, we still have the ASD to deal with and Dr Haq has provided us with details of groups that can help Michael and us as parents to deal with ASD but, Michael is a different child. I highly recommend Dr Haq to any parent, an investment that you should not have to make if we had a fully functioning NHS but we have not, we would still be waiting for an appointment. Dr Haq has given us as parent’s stability and for Michael a new outlook on life, he is a different child and Dr Haq is correct every child deserves a chance!