I think my youngest has ADHD.

[ETanny]

I am pretty certain my 6yr old DD has ADHD.
She seems to tick all the stereotypical boxes for it too.

She has very poor focus unless it's something that captivates her.
She never sits still, she is constantly on the go from the minute her eyes open till they shut.
She's very forgetful and easily distracted.
She talks over people a lot no matter how much we remind her it is very rude to do that.

We also think she may have dyslexia like myself and her older sister but she can't be tested till she's seven according to the school. She still struggles with letter formation even in year 2. She never finished work assigned as she gets distracted. Her handwriting compared to her peers is very poor. It's also a lot worse than my eldest DD was at her age too.

She's also very sensitive and cries a lot... I always thought this was a personality trait but recently discovered it can also be a symptom.

How do I go about getting her tested? Would I do it through the school or go to the doctor?

[JKCR2017]

You could go to the doctor for a referral. But if the school has concerns they can make a referral for her. Maybe you can arrange a meeting with her teacher and the school
senco? Write a list of everything you are concerned at. Maybe even keep a diary. This will help.

I’m also going through similar. DS has autism but I really do believe he had adhd too. His hand writing is also terrible. He doesn’t even try 😬

Good luck!

[SleepyPaws]

Definitely set up a meeting with her teacher and the school SENCO. Do you know if they have any concerns? The school can make a referral for you and you'll also need their help when it comes to the diagnosis, they will be sent questionnaires to complete so it's going to be helpful if you're all on the same page.
Also look specifically into the symptoms of ADHD in girls as it's sometimes harder to spot. Good luck.

[ETanny]

Her teacher from last year agreed that there was an underlying issue but as she was under seven there isn't anything the school can do yet.

I have parents evening with her new teacher in a couple of weeks so I plan to mention my concerns again then.



Thank you for your responses.

[SaltPans]

The poor handwriting could be a feature of dyspraxia? How was she at learning to use scissors, getting dressed, riding a bike, playing with a ball, etc?

You could ask for an OT assessment, as dyspraxia can be diagnosed under seven. Ring up the OT service yourself to see how to get an assessment. Dyslexia and dyspraxia could go along with each other or ADHD or occur on their own.

[abc12345]

I would try and get a gp referral to a community paediatrician and an occupational therapist. Around here the waiting lists are over a year so I would get on with it.

I would also ask school for an appointment with the Sendco and teacher to discuss your concerns. They won’t have time in parents eve to talk to you properly

If you can afford even one hour (around £70) with a private ot that specialises in this kind of thing I can be really valuable. We did this with my son and she managed to figure out his issues/triggers and give you and school strategies and exercises (eg fine motor strengthening programs for handwritting)

I know you must be worried but my son has got so much better since we got the right support