Collating Information for Possible ADHD Assessment

[Charlieschocolates]

I suspect ds (8) might have ADHD. Eldest dc has recently been diagnosed with ADD.

I would like an official assessment via child psychiatrist which I am willing to pay for privately. Recently, I approached SENCO at school - my take on it is I need to gather a bit more information regarding how ds functions within school setting before approaching psychiatrist. I don't want to play amateur psychologist as DS also ticks boxes for other things and I would like them ruled in or ruled out so have decided that an assessment is definitely required.

Is this the correct approach to take? And if so, how long should I wait for observations etc. before making the appointment?

Any advice would be gratefully received.

Could you see you GP and be referred to paediatrics for an NHS assessment? We didn’t have to wait to long, although my son had significant behavioural problems so perhaps it was fast tracked.

The paediatrician send questionnaires to us and the school.

I agree with the above reply. Don’t waste your money on a private diagnosis. Many settings won’t accept it. Just get on the waiting list for paediatrics via your GP as suggested above Xx