Inattentive ADHD - where do we start?

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DS10 has already been diagnosed with Dyslexia following a private assessment with a dyslexia specialist. However, his main problem seems to be his inattentiveness. He's going into y6 and We've had yet another end of year report where he's not meeting any expectations for his age. He has a lot of interventions at school but I don't feel any of these get to the heart of the inattentiveness. He does reading, spelling, maths and memory club. School seem quite happy to plod on with this approach and are quite reluctant/unable to look at the Inattentiveness formally. What do we need to do? The Gp says go via school and school say vice versa. Can anyone advise what we need to do to get him properly assessed? What are our options in terms of NHS or private. It would be really helpful to hear others experiences as I'm keen to get some kind of report before he starts secondary.

The pathway to a diagnosis in our area would be via the school.

I assume, if they are not referring, that they see his inattentiveness as within the bounds of neurotypical and do not think the referral would be accepted?

I think you need to talk to the SENCO for advice. Explain your concerns. Ask why they won't consider referring.

Without their support, it will be very difficult because, even if you go via your GP, which is certainly possible, the school will be asked for their opinion and have to complete detailed questionnaires and paperwork.

In our area it is upwards of £1k for a private diagnosis. When deciding whether to go down this route, consider what you think a diagnosis would achieve for your ds. An explanation, more support, medication?

If school are already supporting his difficulties, they may not offer anything extra even with a diagnosis.

I have assumed you want to pursue a diagnosis for ADHD.

It depends where you live, different teams have different processes but it's frustrating the school & GP are giving you different advice. Usually it's the paediatrician that can diagnose. However, in some areas it's the CAMS team. It's worth googling the process in your health authority, they should have the procedures available online and the going back to school/GP or who ever the relevant person is to make the referral. Private assessment will be quicker in most cases.

I would go private if you can although you need to think whether a diagnosis will help. DS has a ADD diagnosis, he was put on Ritalin and it vastly improved his attentiveness however, for him it made him even more anxious so we stopped the meds and he didn’t like the drugs as it changed his personality. DS would never have been diagnosed via the NHS - school denied any problem and he is quiet and reserved so not a problem in class. Sounds like your school are already doing interventions but I think you are questioning how effective they are. DS finds classrooms very distracting and we ended up with a tutor as he learnt so much more effectively with her. Secondary we are paying a lot to put in him in a school with very small class sizes and it has really helped.