ADHD - any advice welcome!

[FanFckingTastic]

It’s my first post here and I’m just after some advice from people that have been through this kind of thing. My DS is 7 and we are underway with trying to get a formal ADHD diagnosis, as well as establishing whether there are any other co-morbid disorders. We've suspected that he has ADHD for years and from what I can see my DS ticks every box for the combined type - he's on the go 24/7, finds it almost impossible to sit still or concentrate, is incredibly reckless (likes jumping off things, doing front flips etc) is very forgetful and disorganised and will flit from one thing to another (both physically and mentally - so conversations often go off on a tangent) Over the past year or so we have also seen a big increase in temper tantrums and mood swings - one minute he will be fine but can blow up over the smallest thing and then finds it very hard to rationalise what’s going on and control is temper.

We paid to see a private Ed Physc. at the end of last year and she concluded that DS probably had ADHD, but also suggested that we explore other issues including APD. She was inconclusive on whether he has Dyslexia also. Conners tests from us as parents suggested that he had 99% probability of ADHD combined but the school’s test suggested that it was more likely to be the innatentive type – I suspect that this is because DS really tries in school and is not swinging off the curtains, rather he just squirms in his seat!

My DS is a lovely boy but clearly has some real issues and it’s starting to take a toll on him and us as a family. He’s starting to become much more aware that he is ‘different’ and gets frustrated that he ‘can’t get his brain to be quiet’  It seems that his symptoms are getting worse but I don’t know whether they are just more obvious as he gets older, and is expected to be able to keep still, control himself etc. I just want to do the best for him and get him whatever help he needs, or get our family support so that we understand him better.

GP has now referred us for the next stage but I’ve been told that the wait could be up to a year!! The school have pulled some strings and got us a SALT appointment but I’m not sure what they will do / how they will test. Can anyone let me know what to expect? We are also looking at trying to pull some money together and getting an appointment with a specialist who can formalize what’s going on and start to give us some help. Has anyone done this and if so would you recommend going down this route?

Finally – any hints, tips, literature that’s good to read etc would be gratefully received.

Thanks so much for reading!

[scrabble1]

Have a look on Amazon there are some good books written for children about adhd. I explain to our son that his brain is a Ferrari with no brakes 😊 make an appointment to talk to school, I have been shocked at lack of knowledge teachers have about adhd. Let family know that impulsive behaviour and tempers are not naughty. The brain is not operating like a standard brain!

[TwoLeftSocks]

My DH found some good clips on you tube that explain and to children - America seemed further ahead on this that the UK and we've found more useful resources online from US sites. Additude is quite a good site, you just need to remember the differences in the school systems and names of meds.

[Lostmyemailaddress]

All dogs have adhd helped my ds2 understand what was going on.
We have explained that his brain is like a computer but some wires have are in slightly different places to other people and this makes his brain go fast like a washer on fast spin so it makes it harder for info to go into his brain. His medication makes his brain go slower like a washer on a normal spin and that's why info goes in easier.
I'm in the northwest and I found adhd northwest to be a big help. My dd1 had an assessment today for adhd with camhs. Adhd nw as assigned us a support worker who is helping us to help dd1 and ds2 with new strategies.
Sendis (I think that is how it is spelt) also helped making sure ds1 had all the support he needed in school and came to iep and sen statement meetings, as well as talking me through all the process.
If you Google adhd and your area you may also find support groups in your area where you can meet other families with children with adhd. Most don't need you to have a diagnosis yet to attend they can be brilliant for support and also tips on what's worked for them.

[TwoLeftSocks]

All dogs have ADHD is a lovely book to talk through, I agree.

[FanFckingTastic]

Thanks so much for the advice everyone - I'll take a look at All dogs have ADHD and willl see if there are local support groups. I feel like I need a bit of support as it seems like such a minefield! I'm lucky that the school appear to be very onboard with everything but have admitted that they know very little about ADHD - at least they are willing though. Although we have a partial diagnosis from the EP I believe that we now need to get this formalised by a Paed so we are looking to see someone privately (it's horribly expensive but the waiting lists on the NHS seem horrendous!) We've been lucky to get a SALT appointment via the school so hopefully this will run alongside. Does anyone have any experience with SALT? Not sure what they do TBH, it all feels a bit confusing :-)

Thanks so much for the comments, it really helps to be able to ask questions to people that have been there too!

[Allthewaves]

qb test gave us the definitive adhd diagnosis - we had been seen by SALT ( to rule out asd) then paed reviewed all the notes, had several appointments with ds (who bounced around the room) then paved authorised qb test.

[Allthewaves]

SALT here r also used to determine if it's adhd or bad parenting - they act as a screening service tbh

[NotInMyBackYard1]

I have an 8yr old DD diagnosed since 6 with ADHD and just recently with ASD also. We are a bit further down the line now, my DD takes Elvanse and Atomoxetine to help control her symptoms - plus Melatonin at night to help her settle to sleep. School are really good with her, have put in place a special diet to help her gain weight (as the medication suppresses her appetite) and she is accommodated in every way at school to make things as easy as possible for her. We struggle the most at home, we have two other younger DC and things are fraught most of the time!

[Tricky10]

Hi - not sure where you live but try googling ADHD Richmond Support Group (that should pick it up ) brilliant support group and with a mass of information on their website as well as videos from talks. They are amazing. Best of luck ! Totally get it...

[Aurora87]

Search for 'ADHD/ASD Support Group' on Facebook - it's a fantastic resource where you will be able to get knowledgeable, experienced answers to your questions.