Struggling to get ADHD diagnosis for DD16

[Fatandfifty49]

My DD has had ongoing problems since birth - including sleeping, feeding, toileting, anxiety, inattention, hyperactivity, speech

The inattention, but not hyperactivity, was raised in primary school and she had an Ed Psychologist come in to assess her and it did throw up some problems but they weren't proactive in giving her help. The junior school even lost her notes and tried to cover it up.

She had a referral at 5 to CAMHs but they weren't particularly helpful and she was discharged Anyway, at secondary, she fell apart in every well: socially, academically. So bad, I thought they'd need to section her.

So, 2nd referral to CAMHS,psychologist says straightaway she thinks she has adhd. Also diagnosed ocd and starts therapy for that. We fill in the forms then nothing. Have to chase. School rejects diagnosis and we're taken off pathway.

Dd now in 6th form at new school. Doing OK but struggling with concentration. Dd has requested that we look into it again and wants to try meds so I have filled in a form but not holding out hope. The current school don't know her well enough and she isn't disruptive there but can be at home. She is also chaotic, untidy, always late and she procrastinate s. She can be quick to anger and be deliberately annoying sometimes She gets agitated if she doesn't get out of the house. What do I do?

Little update. CAMHS have sent two forms to complete and will send one to the school when open normally. I have pre-warned the school, explained how she keeps falling under the radar and askedfor their support.

Hi OP, hopefully school/CAMHS will offer the support you need, don't feel bad about promoting them about forms etc.

We got a private diagnosis for DS through Psychiatry UK, he was on meds 2 weeks after I first contacted them, it was very efficient.

*prompting

Thanks, Moody. Did you go private because you didn't have much luck with CAMHS?

Ask CAMHS to email the forms to the school's SENCO or Head of Year. We're all still working so it will be picked up and they can start actioning now. No need to wait for schools to return properly.

Thank you. I will get in touch with them

@MoodyMarshall If you don't mind me asking, how old was your DS? My DS has a diagnosis of autism but I've always wondered about co-morbid ADHD. He is unable to attend school full time just now which I believe is exacerbated by lack of routine and lockdowns. Cahms have been as useful as a chocolate teapot and sent us a letter with some charities to google. We are thinking of going private but it would be ££££ for us so interested to see others experiences.

Hi OP and @originalusernamefail

I went private because the GP said there was a 2 year waiting list. I've never dealt with CAMHS. We already had a private ASD diagnosis (Asperger's/Level 1 autism) last summer, where it was recommended ADHD be investigated.

DS1 is 8 and has struggled with concentration/sensory stuff/emotions since he was tiny.

PS private diagnosis cost us £700 plus a bit extra for dosage titration etc.

PPS A few weeks later, he's doing well on the meds and his teacher has seen an incredible improvement (he's in school due to additional needs).

That's really reassuring. My DS is 7 (8 in Sept) and is in school due to his additional needs and DH & I are hospital workers. CAHMs told us medication was basically impossible due to his age , and that the waitlist was 2+ years pre pandemic. I presented to my GP with anxiety and was in treatment in less than a week. The disparity between adult and children's services make me . Sorry to derail the OPs thread. It's hard to see your child suffer, he used to love school, now he comes out looking like a haunted animal. He is also starting to display echolalia (no no no, sorry sorry sorry) which he has never done before.

@originalusernamefail feel free to PM me if you want more info

Thank you @MoodyMarshall you've been a great help.

@originalusernamefail

. I presented to my GP with anxiety and was in treatment in less than a week. The disparity between adult and children's services make me angry

Totally this

Ask school if they've bought in to the QB check screener. That will show any Likelyhood of ADHD.
Also ask them to send you a copy of their forms to check all information is n them. I'd ask for a round Robin too from all of her teachers. This helps the process too.

Thanks, very helpful. I'll do that