to see private OT for possible ADHD/DYspraxia instead of waiting for NHS

[confused3331]

I have a 5 year old DD. She has toileting probs (wets self - sometimes several times a day), handwriting problems and other fine motor control difficulties, attention problems, coordination problems, difficulty playing with peers at school (following rather than playing with peers). After discussing my concerns with school, they have recommended that she get referred to an OT (Occupational Therapist). However, in our area they are referred to NHS Paediatrician and then NHS OT(but this is very rare due to funding). So we could be waiting years. (I have other friends with kids who have more severe problems that are getting very little help via NHS). I have heard that the earlier that you get help, the better the outcome, which is why i'm thinking of going down this route. Has anyone used a private Occupational Therapist ? Did you find it useful or waste of time/money ?

The NHS paediatrician has referred my DS to an OT for similar problems. We saw him in August and he said we should see the OT in October, but i haven't heard anything yet.

Where about are you - if you're in the southeast I can recommend someone...

If it's going to get help to your daughter quicker and you can afford it then do it.

We've got both and live in north west. I can recommend private one too if usful

Go private if you can afford it.

You can wait for months for NHS input and then you walk into a rushed appointment with someone who has very little interest and then gives you some photocopies of things to help you at home

We have a DS with CP, GDD, SLI and SPD.

Wading through the NHS waiting lists is a nightmare in our area sadly and has got a whole lot worse over the last 3 years.

I have to say that when we got the appointment the NHS Ot and physio were excellent . An assistant came into school for a block of sessions, he's been reassessed an someone is coming in again for more sessions.

thanks all. very useful. Am in south east.