ADHD - School imput

[Irish201]

My son was seen for his ADHD assessment today and the Dr was unable to diagnose due to the schools incomplete questionnaires. He said just 1 of the 9 where filled out correctly, meaning that a new referral need to redone and process could take another 12-18 months. We started this process towards end of year 7 and now we are half way through year 9. I am beyond frustrated and disappointed for my son, who absolutely needs further support. Any advice on where to go from here with dealing with the school around this - I'm at a point that if they ring home regarding concerns, I'll just say well good luck and hang up the phone, but I know that this won't benefit my child.

Just to add, he did say that this was a common thing happening and he plans to write a letter explaining the incomplete work on their side.

Why did the school not fill them in? Did the clinic not email you to ask you to chase the school on completion of forms? It all seems so inefficient if they just say "oh we don't have the data we need so we are going to stick your son to the back of the pile" 😢

Unfortunately, you're now at the back of the pile, so it is probably going to benefit your son most if you can afford to go private? It's about £1000 for a private ADHD assessment.

I would ask for a meeting with the senco. They sound incompetent!! Surely this isn’t the first referral they’ve done.

Just to add though - a child has a right to support at school, regardless of any diagnosis or not. If your child needs extra support, you should be able to access this anyway. What support are they getting at the moment in terms of SEND provision?

They completed some of the form but not all. I have no idea why some was filled out and some not. I rang the school asking for an explanation and I haven't heard back from them.

I think you're right. My option is private, but then I'm also relying on school input with this too and I just don't trust that they will do their part. Don't get me wrong, if there isn't a diagnosis, then fine but at least fill the form out fully!

I had similar with dc1 asd assessment (took 3 years longer than it should have in the end) and dc was 17 by time of diagnosis.
When dc3 was diagnosed I actually rang school to prompt them several times (reminding them of their previous errors) and each time followed up with an email then before the appointment l rang the clinic to ask them to check everything had been sent. You shouldn't have to but I would double check they have everything.

I'd be wary of a private assessment because school may refuse to accept the outcome/not partake in the assessment. So if you go down this route check first and get it in writing.

Really awful! Did you see evidence of incomplete forms? I'd ask for copies from drs. If they are incomplete, complain to governors.