Hi,

My name is Matthew, I am 15 years old and have been diagnosed with Autism. All my life I knew there was something different about me but frustratingly, and agonisingly, I was left undiagnosed.

Despite my father and my own attempts, it wasn't until secondary school that I was finally sent to CAMHS'. CAMHS' (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service) in theory should make the world of difference to someone like me. Unfortunately due to NHS Cuts, a lack of understanding and public knowledge the service is simply not up to scratch.

It took CAMHS' two long years to diagnose me, with letters saying 'anything up to 8 months' between appointments. I was on the news last year for starting this petition (BBC South East Today, Channel 5 & Newspaper, Radio Channels) and strongly believe that my diagnosis would have taken even longer without this media attention.

To be so in the dark for so long and without any sense of urgency or importance was incredibly frustrating and stressful, but it encouraged me to fight so that other people like me can get the help and support they deserve.

So much needs to be done and I refuse to give up on this cause!!

Thanks for your support in advance,

Matthew

Follow my campaign on twitter using #CamhsCampaign