Private ADHD diagnosis and uni application

[chocolateorangemilk]

So my DD was diagnosed privately last year as NHS waiting list here is 2-3hrs. GP refuses to accept private diagnosis (which is standard here in Scotland)
She has been on nhs waiting list for nearly a year.
We haven't asked for any special considerations at school. At present medication has helped so so much and she hasn't needed it for exams YET!
She doesn't want anyone to know or do exams in different room/extra time etc. Ok for now but things are ramping up with mocks etc.
I really think if she moves away to uni she will need support system put in place. She's coping now because we give her immense support, she has tutors (very low performing state school with lots of distractions in class) and medication.
Can you request support from uni with a private diagnosis?

I have a private ASD diagnosis and it's never been an issue with university - I just had to scan the diagnosis letter for evidence, DS did the same but with NHS diagnosis.

When you say the GP won't accept it though, what does this mean?

Sorry I should have mentioned I do have extra time etc in place

Thank you. It's policy here to not provide shared care with private clinic. So all prescription charges are private (which is another story , becoming increasing difficult to fund the huge cost of this)
So if the GP refuses to accept the private diagnosis I wondered if uni application would be the same?

If I approach the school about special allowances is it easy to put in place. She really doesn't want now but I would like it in place for summer exams in case she relents as I think it would be of great benefit. She gets very stressed by others talking about the exams etc

Oh I see! I have had my private diagnosis added to my medical record at the GP so I wondered. I don't know about schools, I'm in Scotland and both my diagnosed DC are NHS, I have had nothing but support from school and extra exam time was given easily.

Thanks we are Glasgow and health board here won't accept shared care anymore but waiting times are just horrendous.
I'm glad you were able to use your private diagnosis.
I think I will speak to the school in the new year as imagine these things take time to organise.

My daughter has ADHD and is applying for uni for 2022.
She has exam access arrangements - extra time, small room invigilation, movement breaks, a prompter, and uses a laptop.
I understand that your DD may not want adjustments at the moment, but to have them for the summer exams, you'd have to show that they are a normal way of working for her, i e that she has them in place for internal tests and assessments, and extra time has to be assessed - I think the cut off for applying is early next year.

As for uni, I don't think it matters whether the diagnosis was done privately or through a GP. You can apply for DSA, providing evidence of the diagnosis and your DD will be assessed accordingly.

I have 2 DC applying to university this time both with ADHD diagnosis, DD nhs DS private as we were refused an assessment

When we visited a University they are both hoping to attend we did ask at the disabled student service centre

As long as they had a diagnosis that was all the university was interested in

Like you I spend a lot of my time scaffolding with them (and DH too) but they both recognise that they need support and are planning to go to a university they can get to from home so that they still receive support

Just remember to get your application for DSA in sooner rather than later so that assessment of needs takes place before your DC starts

DD had a private money medical diagnosis through an Ed Physch earlier this year. Her uni has accepted every recommendation & put full support in place.

That was gibberish. Private non medical diagnosis.

She hasn't got as far as her DSA application yet, as I can't do it for her!

@Alsoplayspiccolo thanks. How do I go about arranging this? Do I just call school or do I need to contact education board?
She is capable of doing exams without extra help and support but she always runs out of time, gets so stressed etc but she manages.

Due to Highers being her 1st formal exams , I think I would kick myself if the time comes, she asks for help but it's too late to organise.

Speak to the school SENCO/ALNCo. They can do in-house assessments that assess processing speed etc - if she falls below a certain level, she would qualify for extra time, which the school would then apply to the exam board for.
If she’s always running out of time, it sounds like she needs assessing; “managing” isn’t the same as reaching her full potential, especially in the case of hidden disabilities like ADHD.

OP,

The Office for Students with Disabilities will tell you what they need. You could try contacting them before applying if you are a really concerned, but speaking as a former uni lecturer and Admissions Tutor I believe they will be helpful - especially if you explain the waiting time.

@Alsoplayspiccolo is right - we know you want your daughter to thrive, not just manage. Students who may be reluctant to engage with OSD should know that its processes are both helpful and highly confidential. Disclosure is on a ‘need to know’ basis for logistical purposes only.

Also, the modern trend is that students are expected to use these services as necessary. I sat on Mitigating Circumstances panels for a number of years. It became uni policy that someone from OSD attended our meetings. When someone cited a disability in a Mit Circs petition, if they were working with OSD this person could frequently offer strong support and we could approve the petition. But if someone with a disability is caught unprepared every exam period - be it by MH issues or brittle diabetes (two common examples) - yet refuses help to manage their condition, subtle questions arise.

There is much to gain with no external loss of face by working with OSD - whatever it is called - as necessary.