A mother speaks out about her 11-year-old daughter, Maggie, who is unable to access mental health services due to her intellectual disability and lack of necessary services in their region. Originally diagnosed with mental health disorders in the UK, Maggie, who is autistic and has an intellectual disability, has been unable to access the Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service since moving to Co. Leitrim two years ago.
The mother, Jennifer Flaherty, highlights the challenges they face in getting Maggie the necessary care, with the family being unable to access medication or see a psychiatrist through the HSE. The lack of specialized teams for children with intellectual disabilities leaves Maggie “locked out” of the system, despite being put on an urgent waiting list two years ago.
With over 60 organizations calling for an additional €120 million to address deficits in the mental health system, there is a growing need for investment to support vulnerable individuals like Maggie. The interim CEO of Mental Health Reform emphasizes the unequal distribution of services across Ireland, particularly impacting regions like the west of Ireland.