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Child mental health

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How do YOU cope when waiting for assessments

5 replies

dandeloin · 09/10/2022 22:55

Hi All,
just a general question but how do you, as the parent/guardian, cope when navigating your way through the system to try to get an ADHD/ASD assessment for your child? I feel at the end of my tether trying to figure out what hoops I need to jump through to make some progress, and what hoops just aren't worth bothering with. We're on the Public system waiting lists for mental health support for our son but we seem to be getting nowhere fast. The private route is so incredibly expensive but seems like it's our best chance. And all that while dealing with usual chaotic family life and the issues that our DS throws at us while we're trying to wade our way through this. I'm exhausted and am sick of even listening to myself about the whole situation. Most days I feel like I'm about to explode. Any words of wisdom or comfort would be appreciated. Thank you💐

OP posts:
Pumpkinpatchlookinggood · 09/10/2022 22:56

I received the blank forms before last Christmas.. We haven't even had confirmation our dc will ' qualify' for assessment yet.
A total head fuck.

purplepenguin86 · 10/10/2022 00:34

No experience of this as a parent, but I do work in child and adolescent mental health. One thing I would say is that we get referrals through looking for NHS assessments when a private diagnosis has already been made, because people have struggled to get them recognised in the same way, so I would be a bit wary of paying a fortune for a private assessment. Happy to answer any questions I can if it is any help.

dandeloin · 10/10/2022 13:58

Hi Purplepenguin, thank you for your offer of help, much appreciated. I am not in the UK however, so the set-up is different and I'm trying to work my way through it, with much difficulty😥

OP posts:
Izadrennan · 15/10/2022 20:49

Currently in this exact position now op, i don't have any answers for you unfortunately but just wanted to offer a bit solidarity.
We have read adhd/asd specific books, online forums, parenting support groups, just trying to arm ourselves with as much information as possible to support our child the best we can. My child has other health complications so it's a very heartbreaking and frustrating wait for cahms, but don't want to hijack your post but i understand, unmumsnetty hug for you 🤗

Easterdaffsx · 25/11/2022 09:07

Just reading through this and really feel for you OP
My school asked me to let them know of i wanted a referral as they had suspicions DD was Autistic well before I did
I spoke to the SEN teacher when o was ready the referral was sorted via school without any further ado
They advised me it was just a formality the diagnosis and that in order to support dd amd us as best they could they treated her needs as that of someone with Autism from the day we had that conversation
She has a contact in school amd they've been amazing at working with her and us to help and support her . She has a safe place to go when she feels over whelmed and all her teachers I've noticed are giving her a lot more input into any changes in the classroom ect.
We e been put in touch with a great support group that do a range of activities and as working parents really struggling with her behaviour currently support for you is vital .

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