ADHD Diagnosis process

[Unomum21]

Hi all

I might be posting in the wrong forum - apologies of so.

Its becoming clear to me and possibly school that my 9yr old perhaps has some form of ADHD (inattentive rather than hyper, cannot regulate emotions very well, very disorganised, struggling socially and communicating with peers). I think previously, this has all fallen under the umbrella if 'fairly normal' however as she's getting older, her behaviour hasn't really changed and she is now becoming anxious and losing self confidence. Anyway, the school SEN has given us resources for her anxiety/worrying, and suggested we self refer to local Mast.
My question is for anyone who has gone through the process of diagnosing ADHD, how does it work? Is it worth getting private assessments?
Do I need a ehcp (not sure if that's right term!?) Or is overkill!
I feel like a battle might be coming away as my husband is less concerned and the school are thinking more about anxiety/worrying rather than linking her behaviour to the worrying.
Apologies if wrong forum! Thanks for any advice/,tips.
V. X

You are not alone Unomum. Nothing to add because it sounds like I'm in a similar place to you and it all feels a bit bewildering. I have contacted the SEN at school (first meeting has taken place) and at the end of the week I was passed some forms for an ehcp (school yet to explain what it is all about).

Like you, my husband is less concerned, I feel like the worrying is left to me and nothing would be actioned if it were down to him.

I plan to book a private psychiatric assessment for dc around Feb next year. This will give me time to gather information/school to gather information...though I'm not really sure what is needed.

I posted a similar post not to long ago but didn't get any advice so I'm watching this thread with interest.

My 6 year old has just been diagnosed with ADHD. He has pronounced hyperactivity and impulsivity, and was causing significant disruption at school. So a different situation to yours.

Issues through preschool and reception. We were told assessment not possible until 6. We visited GP just before he was 6, and we were referred to paediatrics. Fortunately they saw us soon for a clinic assessment. He also completed a QB assessment, but wasn’t able to complete this assessment.

We were offered medication on the basis of clinical assessment - this has had a dramatic effect for my son.

My instinct tells me paediatrics may be a better route than CAHMS.

My son required an EHCP because he needed one on one support in class. I think you could be guided by the school with regard to this.

I have just started to read a great book - ADHD life without brakes.

There are also lots of resources and some great podcasts on ADDitude.

Hi how are you getting on? My daughter has just been diagnosed today, she is 7.
She is very impulsive, overly emotional, can’t contain her emotions at all, defiant, sensory issues and very hyperactive to name a few, we have never been able to watch a film.
I have known a long time but I didn’t do anything as I didn’t wanna put that label on her but school contacted me for a chat and asked could they refer her, this was in May.
In july she was seen my a paediatrician psychologist who referred her on for a QB test which she had in October and today we have had the diagnosis.
I’m quite shocked as I know people who have been waiting over 12 months. It’s mixed emotions as I always had an idea but to hear it out loud is different.
The next step is behavioral therapy and support and 1 to 1 in school as I rejected the medication.
Nobody in my family listened they all said she just knows how to work you and your too soft, I knew it wasn’t that easy.

I thought about private when the school pulled me in as I thought it would be a long wait but They told me it’s better to go through them than private as school will not take a private referral, hope this helps.

Good luck and I hope you get the help and support you need.