Specialist care service key to youngster's recovery
A specialist service has been praised for helping with the treatment of an eight-year-old girl from Stafford.
Scarlet Carr was diagnosed with autism and profound learning difficulties when she was two and had a limited diet.
She stopped drinking altogether which saw her become dehydrated and taken to County Hospital where staff tried to get her to take fluids.
As a last resort, surgery was being considered through the insertion of a tube into her stomach but her father Ian contacted Midlands Psychology – a not-for-profit social enterprise which provides mental health and support services in Staffordshire.
This includes autism services for children aged up to 18 years old and specialist help for those with feeding disorders, which can often overlap.
Consultant psychologist Clarissa Martin, an internationally-known expert, then worked to implement an intensive psychological programme with Scarlet, who attends Sherbrook Primary in Cannock, to successfully resolve the issue.
Within two weeks she was drinking normally again and there was also an improvement in her use of language to communicate what along with a willingness to try new foods.
Dr David Ankers, head of autism service in South Staffordshire, said: "Children with autism often have feeding and eating problems as part of their presentation.
"As far as I am aware, Midlands Psychology is the only service in the country to have this kind of expertise available as part of their autism provision to children.
"Clarissa heads up our specialist service for children with feeding disorders, so she is involved with children who have a huge range of difficulties, not just autism, and is in great demand up and down the country.
"I am really pleased to be able to say that Scarlet's treatment continues our run of 100 per cent success with these children, and I wish her family all the very best.
Father Ian, of Wildwood, added: "This help and professionalism shown to us by Clarissa and the Midlands Psychology team was excellent.
"The tools we have learnt will enable Scarlet to continue to progress."
He added his thanks to staff at the children's ward at the County Hospital for their care.
"I was staying the ward with Scarlet at night and saw first-hand their wonderful work," he added.
