Children in West Sussex are being denied life‑changing treatment for selective mutism and severe anxiety. Some are even refused support because they are autistic. Every child deserves help — no matter where they live or how they communicate.

Families spend years on waiting lists, only to discover that specialist support simply does not exist in their area. This postcode lottery leaves children without access to proven interventions during the years when early help matters most.

Even worse, some children are denied anxiety support because they are autistic.
Autism is not a reason to ignore anxiety. 
SM & Autism are different stand alone conditions and guidelines dictate they should be treated as such. 

The impact is devastating. Without support, children become isolated from school, friendships, and everyday life. Anxiety escalates. Confidence collapses. Families are left desperate, exhausted, and unheard.

It is unacceptable that a child’s postcode or diagnosis determines whether they receive help.

⭐ We call on West Sussex County Council to:

1. Commission the start of a county‑wide pathway

• Provide all schools and early years settings with free training and evidence‑based resources so children are not left with nowhere to turn.
  Teachers and SENCOs want to help — but they need a clear pathway to follow.
  Early intervention reduces referrals, prevents crisis, and often avoids the need for EHCPs or specialist placements.

(Most of these resources already exist and are used in other areas.)

2. Recognise that early identification happens in WSCC‑commissioned settings

Schools and early years providers are doing this work blindly. This is not solely an NHS issue — WSCC must take responsibility for the environment where almost all early intervention takes place.

3. Make Selective Mutism training mandatory for all staff supporting a child with SM. 

Nursery leaders, SENCOs and all other class teachers should also receive basic SM training so children are not misunderstood or harmed by incorrect approaches.

4. Ensure sufficient ELSA support in every school.  Children need access to trained emotional literacy support, not long waiting lists or inconsistent provision.

5. Ensure anxiety programmes are accessible to neurodivergent children.

Programmes like Thought-Ful must be available to autistic children too, or alternatives must be commissioned.

6. Publish best‑practice guidelines for schools- Every child with selective mutism should have access to a trusted adult and a consistent, evidence‑based approach.

7. Provide SM guidance for parents on the Local Offer. Families need clear, accessible information — not years of confusion and dead ends.

8. Reduce EHCP inequality:

Children must be assessed by professionals with knowledge of selective mutism.
Right now, children whose families can afford private reports receive SM provision — while others receive none. This is unacceptable.

⭐ We call on NHS commissioners to:

1. Create an escalation route

When school‑based intervention has been attempted and is not enough, families need a clear pathway to further support.

2. Commission specialist SM provision:

Many areas already do this through SLT or multidisciplinary teams. West Sussex children deserve the same.

3. Stop declining referrals for SM:

Areas with successful SM pathways have the same professional services as West Sussex. The difference is training, leadership, and willingness to act. Children are suffering because a choice is made not to help them.

4. Work jointly with WSCC: 

Training, early intervention and clear pathways reduce pressure on NHS services and improve outcomes for children.

⭐ Children with treatable anxiety disorders deserve help — not delays, not dismissal, not neglect.

It is time to end the postcode lottery in West Sussex.

Sign this petition and demand urgent action to protect children’s mental health and futures.
When children have no voice, we must use ours.