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SEN

Here you'll find advice from parents and teachers on special needs education.

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Original poster

ADHD

15 replies

elmo89 · 08/01/2023 15:08

My 5 year old is struggling in school and the teacher thinks he may have adhd and I have also had these concerns for some time now.
The waiting list to be assessed is so long and I’m worried it is really going to affect his schoolwork.
Does anyone know if paying privately to be assessed would benefit him in terms of getting help in school. If we were to pay private and then go to the school with that would it help get him a classroom assistant or whatever extra help he might need?

I don’t want him assessed for a label I just want him to get help in school and I’m wondering if paying private and getting a diagnosis sooner will help with that

OP posts:

JustKeepBuilding · 08/01/2023 16:11

Support in school is based on needs, not diagnosis, so if the only reason you are considering going private rather than waiting for the NHS is for that you don’t need to.

Realistically a 1:1 is unlikely without an EHCP, but you don’t need a diagnosis for one of those.

A diagnosis isn’t a label.

Original poster

elmo89 · 08/01/2023 16:23

He has already received an IEP in school and will more than likely get another one as this one is to be reviewed soon. The teacher said he is very smart and when someone is sitting with him he can complete tasks but left on his own he struggles massively and gets quite alot wrong

OP posts:

Original poster

elmo89 · 08/01/2023 16:24

She said he just has no focus and struggles to remain concentrated for a period of time. She says it seems out of his control

OP posts:

JustKeepBuilding · 08/01/2023 16:56

An IEP isn’t the same thing as an EHCP.

Theordinary · 08/01/2023 17:17

I have one child with adhd and asd, who we had assessed through the NHS. My eldest is showing signs also, only since secondary which is common with girls apparently. The waiting list is so long and due to her stage of education we have opted for private assessment for her. Still a wait of around 4 months even privately. I spoke to someone from camhs who advised us to make sure that the provider is carrying out the assessment as per the NICE guidelines. This is important so that the education authority and the GP will recognise the diagnosis and be able to take over the care at a later date if medication is recommended. The company we have found actually carry out NHS work as well so we considered them to be a safe bet. Good luck.

Original poster

elmo89 · 08/01/2023 17:19

JustKeepBuilding · 08/01/2023 16:56

An IEP isn’t the same thing as an EHCP.

I didnt say it was I was just stating that he had one of those

OP posts:

JustKeepBuilding · 08/01/2023 17:24

It sounded like you did which is why I mentioned it. If DS already has an IEP he should already be receiving support in school. If you think he needs more you can apply for an EHCNA.

Original poster

elmo89 · 08/01/2023 17:34

JustKeepBuilding · 08/01/2023 17:24

It sounded like you did which is why I mentioned it. If DS already has an IEP he should already be receiving support in school. If you think he needs more you can apply for an EHCNA.

I know they are putting a few different strategies in place to help him but I didnt know if getting him diagnosed sooner would help him get more support and help as so far it isnt helping much. Hence the reason I posted in the first place asking for advice

OP posts:

solidaritea · 08/01/2023 22:25

A diagnosis doesn't unlock funding for the school, so doesn't lead to more help in terms of another adult available.

However, a full diagnosis report may give strategies that may be more effective than those currently in place for your son (may). It also would provide evidence for an Educational Health and Care Needs Assessment if one were to be needed in future.

Hairyhat · 09/01/2023 19:25

Roughly how much is it to get a private assessment please?

Fatherofsenchild · 23/01/2023 11:54

We are have a EHCP and are choosing secondary schools for child with ADHD & Dyslexia what’s best to move area for best school or stay in area for familiarity?

Anyone got some advice and experience parenting a child with sen needs specifically ADHD and Dyslexia, is it best to find the best school in your area as they know the area and might go with peers from primary school or move to an area with a better option of school for your child needs like good senco dept but means uprooting them to new area, out of routine but fresh start?

Lozza36 · 01/02/2023 11:13

Hi everyone, 👋 I'm new here. My child has a diagnosis of adhd and autism and I'm struggling myself, in the sense I feel so lonely amd don't have any friends and I think it's because of the way my child behaves around others.
I think I restrict myself on purpose to avoid difficult situations.
Sorry to just jump in like this, not really sure what I'm doing 😅

11plusNewbie · 11/02/2023 22:50

a diagnosis can get access to medication, as defined by the NICE guidelines. we found it helped massively

Michaela83 · 23/11/2023 11:24

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

user1464815250 · 20/12/2023 20:13

At what age were they able to medicate. I’m in a similar situation and considering going private, but my son is only about to turn 5 and so far all of the private clinics have said they won’t medicate until he’s 6.

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