Are private assessments for ADHD accepted by schools?

[Choconuts]

My DS(6) has been referred for an ADHD assessment by his school but we have been told there is a 30 month waiting list.

Does anyone know whether if we pay for a private assessment the school would be able to use it or does he need the local authority assessment?

He's really struggling at school and I am concerned that things will get really bad if we have to wait that long.

Thanks

Schools and LAs cannot refuse to accept diagnoses just because they are private rather than NHS (it is the NHS who assess for ADHD, not the LA). The validity of any diagnosis is less likely to be questioned if the assessment follows the NICE guidelines.

The school should be supporting DS’s additional needs without a diagnosis though. Support in school is based on needs, not diagnosis. What support are the school currently providing? If you think the school aren’t meeting DS’s needs have you considered applying for an EHCP?

@AReallyUsefulEngine thanks for your reply. The school are doing their best but his major issue is that he has no impulse control and as a result is disruptive and hits out.

He also really struggles with his written work and has to have a teacher sat with him or he doesn't do it and interferes with others work.

I am worried that without a confirmed diagnosis as he gets older the school wont be able to cope with him.

I am very new to all this and have a meeting with the school to discuss next week but if anyone could point me in the direction of help for parents so I can research what to ask the school to help with that would be amazing. I am in Wales if that makes any difference.

My younger sister has been diagnosed with adhd and bpd as an adult and his behaviour is so similar to hers growing up and his whole outlook on life is so different to his siblings that I believe something else is going on.

I don't know if maybe the diagnosis would make it easier for me as well. If I knew he can't help it then I might not get so frustrated if that makes sense?

Really appreciate any one taking the time to help!

Also should add the consultant I am looking at also works at the local big childrens hospital so is probably the same person we would end up seeing once we get to the top of the waiting list.

As you are in Wales EHCPs don’t exist, in Wales it is IDPs now although many will still have statements of SEN. SnapCymru may be able to help you, they have information on their website and have a helpline.

Females are often misdiagnosed with BPD when they actually have ASD &/or ADHD.

When my son was sent for an ASD assessment our NHS trust had outsourced some of their caseload to a private firm. I am now seeking a private assessment from the same firm for ADHD for the same reason as you, that going via my GP will take 1.5yrs+ and I need an assessment asap. My understanding is that any diagnosis will be considered equally to one we’d receive had we gone via our GP. I did book an appt with my GP (telephone one as most of them are these days) and talked it through with him and he said if my son is diagnosed by this firm then once he received their report he will contact CAMHS (or whoever he needs to see for ADHD medication etc) to get him on their books for support. The private assessment we’re going for is still due to take 12-16 weeks, but I did ask them to send the information requests out to the school and GP immediately so that we can then be considered for a cancellation appt should one occur. If you’re in a hurry for assessment, then my advice would be that even with the private assessment you should keep in touch with them to see where you can speed up the process if possible.

Our child's local authority will not complete paperwork, or allow an observational visit from a psychologist from a private clinic. We are absolutely gobsmacked that they are putting barriers in the way to help a child.

Bump

Further to my earlier post, we’ve just had our private ADHD assessment and he was diagnosed as having it. Hoping to get the report in the next week or two and a copy will be sent to his GP. I’ve already booked an appt with the GP for early Sept to discuss the diagnosis and where we go next. I will share the result/report with the school too, and I expect them to help support him with the recommendations in the report, as is reasonably practical. Just because the report was paid for privately I do not expect any rejection from any quarter - luckily my GP is fully onboard and supportive and I believe he will smooth over any issues that might arise (I’m not expecting any challenge of the diagnosis/report).

SuperSue77 really pleased that you have been successful in getting the assessment for your child and optimistic about it being taken seriously by your local authority. I just wish we had the same outcome.

Definitely helps if your GP is on board. I may contact my own to see if there is any way he can offer support after the assessment process is complete.

Thanks @Notplayingball sorry that it is not working out so well for you at the moment. I hope you get somewhere with your GP. xx

Absolute shambles. Private practice has been in touch with the school who have said that they do not allow/support private assessments and the psychologist cannot enter the school. Unbelievable.

My local authority does not support private diagnosis.

Notplayingball which country are you in?

Scotland. The private practice has never come across this situation before and has no choice but to refund us (but will be charged for initial 1hr assessment last month).

I am very disappointed. Our NHS paediatrician was the one who suggested private practice. DH queried him at the time as to whether the diagnosis would carry any weight - he said he didn't see why not.

Can the private assessment not go ahead without an in school observation? How would they assess if you EHE?

I don’t know about Scotland but in other areas of the UK the LA cannot have a blanket policy of refusing to accept a private diagnosis and the respective Tribunal services definitely do accept independent assessments. You could speak to Enquire about whether this is the case in Scotland.

Have started the complaints procedure with the local authority and if not satisfied, it can get referred on to SPSO (independent tribunal).

What is EHE?

Thank you for your advice. This has caused many sleepless nights so far.

The company use the gold standard of assessment and need to assess DC in the school setting. Without this observation, they would not be able to give a comprehensive assessment with accurate diagnosis (if applicable).

EHE = Elective home education.

The gold standard for assessment is 2 settings, so it doesn’t necessarily have to be school. How would they assess someone who didn’t attend school?

Do speak to Enquire.

Almost forgot about Enquire.... have contacted them about a different matter before. Thanks for that👍 have just fired them an email about this situation. Hopefully hear back soon.

Thanks also for EHE explanation. That's a good point. Not all children attend state or independent schools, often only educated at home and cannot use a second setting for the assessment.

Does DS attend any extra curricular clubs? Could you use that as the second setting? I know some EHE DC use clubs as the second setting.

He struggles to focus in extracurricular settings. He did attend a group but wanted to give it up last month so we can't use that unfortunately. That would have been ideal though.

Ours was private & accepted by school and GP