Roadmap to ADHD/autism diagnosis

[SparkleFly]

We're UK based and about to start the process of having our 6yo son diagnosed. He's very high functioning and very hard to manage at home so we really need help now. I'm confused about the process.

The GP said that they don't do referrals, and we have to go via the school. The school say he's fine there and really well behaved, so I'm not sure if there's any point in getting them involved. Like I say, we really need help at home with understanding how his mind works, and finding strategies to assist us in managing his behaviours.

Should we still go via the school, or do they only focus on learning-based assessments? If we had a private assessment, how much would that cost in total? We need a full profile. I don't want to waste time going the school route if they only asses him in the school environment as it will be pointless. Thanks.

I feel bad that you haven't had replies - I believe this topic doesn't appear in the Active conversations list so it might be worth posting this in one of the other topics as well where it's more likely to be seen.

@SparkleFlywe had the exact same situation with our DC2. School could not have been more obstructive.

First thing I would do is this simple progress checker. If it says that he needs some support you can ask the School for a referral for a hearing test and to SaLT. If School won’t do the referrals then speak to the School Nurse Service in your area.

The other thing is say is that he doesn’t need a diagnosis to have an ECHP. You can apply for one now, yourself. IPSEA have some free templates you could use.

As for the cost, I think Caudwell Children are currently doing assessments for £500. They usually see the DC within 3 months and you receive 12 months support following. However they do only assess for ASD not associated things like ADHD, Dyspraxia, Dyslexia and ARFID.

And the PP is right, these topics don’t appear in the active lists so are quieter but it also means that you don’t get any MNers offering advice that would only work for NT DC, so I see it as a positive