Suspecting ADHD - how do I go about getting an assessment, and any tips/advice on the process

[Frenchie85]

Hi all,
Long time lurker after some advice/tips/opinions.
I have a 5yo DS who has always been hyperactive. More recently, I've started to look into whether this might be diagnosable ADHD. From looking at the NHS page, he fits nearly all the symptoms for both the inattentiveness and hyperactivity, so it is looking more probable that ADHD may be present.
School and nursery before that has never flagged to me overly difficult behaviour (I.e. They've always described his behaviour as typical for his age/stage of development rather than something that is concerning or unmanageable), or even suggested this could be a possibility, but I'm aware that diagnosis would require symptoms in at least two settings.
Should I contact the school to discuss this possibility and go from there, and if so would that be his teacher or the SENCO? Or do I go straight to GP for referral, and how does that process work?
He's also had long term digestive issues, and I'm investigating whether this is a dairy intolerance, I've read online that this may be linked to ADHD symptoms too - does anyone have experience of this?
And also, any tips of strategies that have worked well to help support and manage a child with ADHD?
Many thanks in advance for any advice, it will be much appreciated!

[Mumofjustthe1]

Hi there, I have a 16 son that was diagnosed with ADHD aged 7. It was a long process, despite having statements from carers and teachers from as young as 2. The first teacher I spoke to wasn't that aware of the many symptoms of the conditions however when I asked her to research and consider it she was in complete agreement that my ds could have ADHD. The schools senco gave me advice from there and I was also advised to approach camhs for support at home. A lot of it was organised via the school senco that arranged a for an educational physiologist to spend a day with my ds and then a further appointment with a paediatrician. Myself and the school had to fill in a questionnaire that I believe is easily available on line that is used to evaluate behaviour. Can't remember what the forms called. It all happened a few years ago, it take a lot of perseverance but I urge you to keep speaking to the school and approach the dr, to be honest these things take such a long time I think the more you can make a nuisance of yourself the more likely you are to get heard. I wish you every success in getting the support you need

[Frenchie85]

Thank you so much, I will be speaking to his teacher, and the senco, as well as GP.

[EwanWhosearmy]

I started with the SENCO.

We were first referred by the GP when DD was 6, but it was over a year after that before we got a dx. In our case we already had a much older child with ADHD so we knew from 3 that there was something wrong but they won't diagnose that early.

If nursery and school say he is ok I doubt you'll get a dx.

[OhTheRoses]

You pay privately.

[Winniethepooer]

Very often a private diagnosis is ignored by the NHS & LEAs.

[Squeegle]

You should raise it with SENCO, and form tutor. Write down all your concerns and keep a copy. Ask for assessment by educational psychologist. Basically just ensure that they are aware of your concerns, and that they are taking you seriously. My DS was diagnosed at age 12, the school dismissed my concerns in primary, so I was forced to go st it much stronger in secondary where his beguile snd lack of attainment was showing up much more clearly. At primary many of the boys are like this anyway! So keep on the case, don't let the school out you off if you are seriously worried, but also just see how it goes, you can monitor for a term without anything much changing. Then when you have all your evidence and the school have been more involved they will see the issues more. Does that make sense?

I wish I had pushed harder earlier to be honest, maybe in year 5, because then he would have got more support.

[Squeegle]

Beguile -= behaviour!

[VinIsGroot]

We are going through dx at the moment and DS is year 5 but only 9!
Asking school since yr2 but they just kept saying "DS is just DS!" They've now realised it is more .... they also think ASD ... he is really really bright but struggles socially!
Once we had school on board we went to go with a list of symptoms ... he referred to DS2's paediatrician (he has severe ASD) and now just had his ADOS.
School then GP. We are hoping to have a dx in July!

[Frenchie85]

Thanks for the recent replies, I will be booking in a meeting with his teacher and the school SENCO and then also going to gp. It sounds like the process is a lot no one anyway, so probably a good idea to start raising our concerns now, and getting them on record. I really appreciate the advice, thank you!

[superclm]

I am in this same situation. I have suspected for a while now I had brought it up with his nursery teacher and the said that I should wait till he's older. My partner his dad has adhd and trying to talk to him about it is very hard but I no I need too.. I am alooking stuck on what to do now...