Anyone been through the ADHD/ Autism assessment journey - aged 4

[chicnik]

Hi everyone, I’m looking for some advice and to hear other parents’ experiences.

I strongly feel my little boy may have ADHD and possibly autism too. We’re at the beginning of the journey and I honestly feel quite overwhelmed with where to start and what route to take.

He masks a lot at school, but at home we struggle with behaviour, sleep, emotions, and concentration. We’ve been referred to CAMHS and are speaking with professionals, but I’d really like to hear from parents who’ve already been through this.

Did you go through the NHS, Right to Choose, or privately?
What helped most in getting your child listened to and assessed?
Any advice for the early stages would really help. Thank you.

Do you know the wait times on those options? I would ask in the SN section about the pitfalls of going privately. I’m no expert but I understand that some local authorities might not recognise a private diagnosis?

Have you applied for an ECHP yet too @chicnik? You don’t need a diagnosis to do this as they’re based on needs.

hiya no I haven’t , I will look into thank you . I have a ADHD course in July . N been referred to Camhs .
every day is a struggle n school isn’t picking up on anything 😏

I can imagine it’s a struggle. We had difficulty with the school not picking up on anything and then denying there could be any needs.

If you have a look on the IPSEA website they have some templates that you can use to request an EHC Assessment.

Yeh school isn’t picking up on anything, even health visitor went in n reviewed him n said he was Just quiet . His never quiet 😂 . I know it’s going to be a long road ahead , at least referred to CAMHS but I can’t see them doing any thing , some said to go back to gp n get referred to a paediatrician?! So mite give that a go x