Private ADHD assessment while waiting through Right to Choose?

[Strictlyfan11]

Hi
I'm considering getting my 6.5 year old privately assessed for ADHD. We're currently on the waiting list through Right to Choose using one of their nhs providers. We understand that the waiting list is around a year which isn't that long compared to many areas. I wondered if anyone has had a private diagnosis whilst waiting? The school suggested we get an assessment done and recommended the right to choose route. I just thought I'd see others thoughts and if anyone has been through similar? I'm a single parent and we have no involvement with the other parent..I'm finding my child's behaviour really challenging lately in particular:( thanks for reading

Getting a private diagnosis is no good if your GP won’t do a shared care package. The diagnosis at a private clinic will be just that. A diagnosis. They will prescribe drugs for your child but only with monthly check ups. All of which are very expensive. You need to do 6 months of check ups and review of medication before you can be handed back into the NHS system. And that’s only if your GP will do a shared care package. Some will, some won’t. Going the private route is very expensive but will get you seen quickly. If I were you, I’d treat your DS ‘as if’ until you get through the NHS right to choose process.

We have waited 4 years on an NHS assessment and after several stages over the past few months we now have the feedback appointment tomorrow, its been a really long road and our son is now 12 and life has been really, really hard. Hoping tomorrow will give some answers/support. Asd is also now being looked at too but I won't know anything until tomorrow.

Thank you for your reply..yes that's what I thought..although you get seen faster, any medication etc will be expensive..I think we will keep waiting especially as we haven't been on the waiting list for long

Thank you for replying and wishing your son and you luck for tomorrow

Hi, sorry to hear you've been waiting so long for your son's assessment! Can I ask what ICB you're located in as you may be able to get an assessment through the NHS Right to Choose, which is when the NHS funds a private assessment through approved providers. Our waiting times for an ADHD assessment through Right to Choose are currently around 6 weeks from referral to first appointment. So I'd say it's definitely worth checking! Happy to help with any more information regarding Right to Choose and the referral process