Son has ADHD - how to support him at school?

[CeCe1904]

My son (year 4) has been having trouble in school with focusing in class - mainly that he can’t concentrate for a long time and finds himself easily distracted. We have started discussions with his GP about an ADHD diagnosis as his behaviour is something we’ve noticed in school, at home and at his tuition.

I’m not too sure of what help we can get for him from the school while he doesn’t have his formal diagnosis. His teacher seems the more traditional type, and sees his lack of concentration as more disrespectful than something to be supported. Are there any accommodations or referrals that I can ask the school for to help support him?

I’m in the process of exploring an ADHD diagnosis for my son, also in Year 4.

His school should have a SENCO. Request that they observe him during a lesson, or over a few school days. Also ask if there is a parents with SEN children support group, or any advice they can give you.

Try SENCO as the above suggested. But if school is not supportive, it's difficult to get anywhere through NHS. GP might insist in needing school letter to support referral. If GP don't insist and can refer, get it sorted asap. The waiting list is very long. Make sure sort out before secondary.

We gave up that path, as school SENCO "honestly" didn't think DC had it. So we went private and diagnosed within a month. Spent a hell of money by big chunks. But it's worth it. Mine was 11 when he got diagnosed and I wish we had done it earlier.

We've just been through this. Got a diagnosis for free via Right to Choose within 2 months (needs to be 5 for this).

First, request to meet with SENCo and outline concerns. Ask him or her to observe your son and get her opinion. If she agrees he has additional needs, request an IEP.

If he or she does not agree there any issues, you could try the following (this can be helpful regardless - we found it invaluable):

Get an OT (occupational therapist) to observe him in school and do an assessment. My son's school had one anyway coming in once a fortnight. Cost us maybe £400.

Could consider getting a SALT assessment too if he has any issues with social interaction. Ours cost around £200.

If any issues are spotted in these assessments, you have evidence of need. Request to meet the SENCo again, with the reports, and ask for an IEP (individual education plan).

In parallel, investigate Right to Choose (if you want it for free, quickly) and start the ball rolling on getting an ADHD assessment. If you want more info, pm - I have literally just done this.

We’ve had some occupational therapist appointments after referring him ourselves but I had to disagree with the method used. They saw him at the centre and the test involved switching exercised every 5 minutes or so, so I just didn’t feel that it actually reflected him in the classroom.