Private ADHD diagnosis?

[Rae36]

Ds is 15. His school have suggested he needs an ADHD assessment. This is not exactly out of the blue, I should have done something about it years ago.

Anyway, I've made a gp appointment for next week but the camhs waiting lists are enormous and he quite rightly is not a priority. But equally we've left it so late, he's in s4 so exam year already and I feel guilty about that.

Does anyone know if there is a reputable private assessment route and how much it might cost? I'll ask the gp but I'd appreciate any recommendations.

What an idiot, it's so blindingly obvious now someone else has pointed it out to me.

We're in the central belt.

Finding this thread really helpful as we're about to go to GP to discuss referral.
Does anyone have experience of going down the private route in Glasgow City area - is this an education authority that might accept a private diagnosis, or wouldn't?

This thread is quite helpful for us too as DS’s school want to refer him for an assessment/diagnosis. He has traits that could be ASD or ADHD, and struggles to focus at school, although he’s super bright in other ways and creates some amazing things if he’s interested in a topic. They recognise that he’s ‘gifted’ in many ways but are concerned he won’t get through exams without support.

How long is the CAHMS list right now? It seems the minimum is about 6 months, but I’ve heard up to 3 years.

My child's Private (out of areas NHS Consultant) dx of ASD was not only not accepted, we were referred to SS for 'subjecting child to unnecessary assessment'. We moved. Child was referred by school & NHS dx followed. We ate back on our old area. I think Ds has ADHD too. Asked GP who said: No referral will be made as none being accepted atm.

Zombie thread!

Be careful of using ADHD direct a lot of local authorities will not accept there diagnosis as they don't always meet the NHS guidelines or diagnostic criteria so you may end up having to wait years to get him NHS diagnosed as well as paying for a private diagnosis. Then onto of that paying for ADHD medication if you go down that route. It would be better to check with your local authority and education board which private assessment companies they will accept and get a list in advance of booking into an assessment company.

If you pay for a private diagnosis you will get one. Realistically everyone gets one because you paid for it.

Unpopular but based on facts.

Don't shoot the messenger.

You're basically saying the private clinics promote prescribing unneeded stimulant medication to children. If that were true it would be criminal.

The doctor who diagnosed DS privately was exactly the same doctor (consultant psychiatrist) who diagnoses people through the NHS in his day job. DS is not medicated at the moment. Having his diagnosis has opened doors with extra support at Uni and has helped him start to understand why he is the way he is.

There is no doubt that there are dodgy ADHD clinics diagnosing people over Zoom with a very short consultation. This is why when DS was exploring the idea of an assessment or diagnosis he first saw the GP to ask about what they would recommend.

And yes, CAMHS is stretched to breaking and not interested in kids with ADHD. They can barely cope with the ones who are ill to the point of suicide.

I said it would be unpopular. It is a growing issue but very, very rarely do individuals not get a diagnosis.

I work in neurodivergency services in the NHS.

There are certain companies currently under investigation for this already. Unfortunately some companies have no scruples which is a real shame on those private providers that do real ensure only those that meet the criteria do get a diagnosis. It's a terrifying concept that kids who don't need stimulant medication are on it.

Then you are aware why it is so hard to refer in the NHS? Not a popular opinion either....

Well exactly. When the NHS (or those behind it) are letting children down so badly, parents will seek help wherever they can. They won't go to the private clinics until already very sure about their child's symptoms, so diagnosis rates will be high.
I am disgusted at how my child has been left to rot by the NHS.

You can request a "adhd certify assessment" carried out by a qualified clinician. These assessments usually include a formal diagnostic report that can be shared with your GP and school. Costs vary depending on the provider and level of assessment, and your GP may be able to advise on suitable options in your area.

I decided to go private and had the ADHD assessment done myself. It was much quicker than waiting for CAMHS, the process was clear and professional, and I received a detailed diagnostic report that could be shared with the GP and school, which really helped move things forward. I used ADHD Certify for the assessment: adhdcertify.co.uk/adult-adhd-assessment/ the service was well-organised, professional, and supportive throughout.

This seems quite an old thread, but if anyone is having trouble with the school “accepting” a diagnosis, this is nonsense! Schools have to meet the needs, not the label. Happy to word something for anyone facing this.