ADHD diagnosis

[PinkBlueCat]

I really need to get my child diagnosed with ADHD but as I don’t have a second setting I am unable to get them diagnosed, does anyone know what I can do in this situation or has anyone ever been in this situation? They are not currently at school so don’t have them to ask and there is no where else I can ask. How do adults get diagnosed if you need two settings? Can anyone help thanks.

How do you know she has ADHD?

I completely agree with you that at 14 it isn't her choice. We have a 14 year old with ADHD.

However have you considered that this isn't ADHD? You say she "didn't cope" with home ed groups, what happened or did she just say she wasn't going? What behaviours concern you at home?

I believe some behaviours can be masked and we do all mask whether we are NT or ND. But sometimes doing well in a setting is due to the structure of the setting and sometimes doing badly is due to anxiety, trauma, or something that isn't ADHD.

As the tutor is alternative provision, is this being provided by the local authority under Section 19? You can ask the registered provider to complete the questionnaire

Im pretty certain it’s ADHD she is already diagnosed autistic

Im pretty certain it’s ADHD and her previous school were the ones who suggested it

Have you spoken to Psicon? While most need two settings, there are times when this isn’t possible and DC can still be assessed. Although if the waiting list is a year long, they may say get the tutor to complete the form after 6 months or they may accept their input despite not working with DD for 6 months yet. They may accept their previous school’s opinion if you have any paperwork from when DD attended there. Similarly if DD has seen an EP, SALT, OT, etc.

DC not on the roll of a school can still access the school nursing service (called the 0-19/25 nursing team in some areas).

Oh does actually have a speech and language therapist maybe I could ask her to fill it out, I didn’t think of that as we only see her every 3 months. I will have to call them tomorrow and check.

If she already has an autism diagnosis I'm surprised that they are pushing for a second setting. Ask if they accept a Qb check as a second setting. They even conduct them themselves so again surprised it hasn't already been suggested.

If she hasn’t been assessed, you really don’t know this. Also, not everyone who does get a diagnosis will be eligible for medication. What other support is she receiving for her mental health - meds are not the amazing cure people think they are. You still need to put other support in place.
Reading between the lines, am I right to assume that your DD has not been in school for some years because you removed her, chose to HE her but that failed and now you’re trying to deal with a teenager who is really finding her life a challenge? Why do you assume she won’t be taking her GCSEs? Your best bet is to re enrol her in school asap so that she can get some SEN support and they will be able to support an ADHD assessment by the time she gets her appointment.

no you are not right but I don’t need to explain myself to you.

Oh really, thats good to know it might not be needed. Im sure they are aware as they will have her history but I will check with them thanks.

Have a read of my post again please. I really can’t see where I said I was against medication for ADHD?

Then why do you care if I give my child medication. It’s a valid choice not sure why im getting judgemental comments, you wouldnt judge it for another medical condition.

I’m bowing out of the thread now OP. I’ve not been judgemental at all. I actually have ADHD myself.

I have no idea but I'm watching with interest as I strongly suspect my 7 year old has ADHD but she's doing well academically and hasnt had issues at school but is a complete different person at home

it sounds like your dd has more going on than possible adhd.
for the purpose of the thread and exploring options maybe a more detailed history would be helpful so that others can share their experience.
my grandson has a typical little boy presentation of adhd, and was out of school for a long period (covid years and not willing to engage with online or home ed) and was able to go private and be assessed for his adhd. no second setting but in person appointments and family history.
i know you said private isn't an option, but have you looked into the potential cost of this and spoken to family and or groups your affiliated with for this it might not be as expensive as you think.
that aside; what is it that you are hoping medication will do? are you hoping she will calm down (i get the impression she is homebound) are you hoping she will engage with education?
the medication is not a miracle although worth trying. both for my adult son who is on adhd medication for inattentive type and my grandson who occasionally takes it, it only lasts about 6 hours and the subsequent "crash" following the medication wearing off leads to very challenging hours following.
not knowing your dd's skills and profile would be helpful because my suggesting hard core early am exercise like swimming/treadmill/ or exercise bike might be silly if your dd has another condition such as autism along with adhd traits.

Im definitely not in a position to pay private, im out of work due to her not attending school so that’s just not an option sadly

Have you asked if the School SENCO can assess her? How does she do on this simple progress checker?

@PinkBlueCat are you a single parent? could your family even if out of country help, do you belong to a church group or a different community group that could help with a type of "crowd funding".
again this isn't the most important part of my reply what does your dd have going on and what type of adhd do you suspect she has and why has she been out of school for so long.
i do think past school professional staff might be of assistance what was her educational experience prior to home schooling? how long ago?

@Mrsm010918 if your child is in school or if you have some money saved getting a basic adhd assessment for a young school age child is not that difficult.
family history, some clear examples over time (video helps). in my grandson's experience the bigger problem was getting the medication strangely he is often only given a week or two's worth meaning constant appointments with the dr's office despite the psychiatrist saying he is stable on his dosage and can have a much longer period between. the pharmacy not having enough and getting only a few days worth etc.

I don’t want to go too much into it as it’s very long but we have tribunal for specialists next month. Mainstream can’t meet needs but LA blocking specialist. I don’t speak to my family so they would not be able to help and there isn’t anyone else I could ask.

Can you get her a private tutor for a few weeks?

No sadly as I mentioned I am not working due to her being out of school so wouldn’t be able to afford a private tutor, it needs to be 6 months anyway.

okay a tribunal for a specialist school?
lots of support on this particular topic on the EDUCATION board if you want some support on how to get through this also the SN CHILDREN board has some very knowledgeable members who post regularly.
i don't think you will get a quick enough adhd diagnosis for the tribunal though, even with money.
what makes you think she has adhd? do you suspect hyper, inattentive or a mix? is she oppositional defiant? it could be a combination of course but equally could be other mental or emotional health conditions has she experienced some trauma?

Tribunal is next month, im ready for it. It’s not for tribunal, she’s autistic. It’s so we can get medication for her adhd. It’s not just me that has thought it her old school said they would refer her because they thought she had adhd but never did.