Seeking guidance on reputable ADHD assessment and support Clinics. Your Input is Valued!

[SMaryL]

My 8-year-old son displays traits associated with ADHD, and I've been grappling with whether it's merely immaturity. He struggles with concentration at school and frequently forgets tasks when left alone. However, he thrives when inspired by a dedicated teacher or one to one lessons. I, too, was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. I have health insurance and am considering private care, but I've heard concerns about over-diagnoses in private clinics compared to the NHS, which is known for its stricter approach. I'm unsure of the accuracy of these claims, and I'm apprehensive about an inaccurate diagnosis. Can anyone recommend a reputable clinic in London for both diagnosis and ongoing care in this area? Is there an ADHD reference clinic?Your insights are greatly appreciated!

My DS was assessed by Dr Patrick Nwagbogu at the Chelsea Psychology Clinic. He was recommended to us by friends and also also school (independently). We had similar concerns to your before we met him, but have been very impressed with initial assessment and ongoing support. We are six months in and very pleased.

Thanks @Porridgewithnuts ! It's not an easy journey. Does anyone else have any recommendations?

We used the Child & Family Practice in Bloomsbury.

Recommended by friends and very happy with them. The psychiatrist we see was head of a big NHS Adolescent Unit for nearly 30 years.

DD has a number of cousins with ADHD and/or ASD who were assessed either NHS in the UK or in Australia, so we have all compared notes on the diagnostic process and on medication etc, and I feel that we have had a more in-depth process than the NHS.

Definitely didn't feel it was tick box in any way - and that was with going with a massive family history, and a decades worth of reports that could have meant it would have been extremely easy for someone to just say on balance of probability.

I didn't know for definite they would confirm the Dx until the final 10 minutes - he gave nothing away about the way he was leaning.

Thank you @OhCrumbsWhereNow! I'm going to look for this clinic too. Could you recommend a doctor? I called the Clinic that @Porridgewithnuts recommended, but they said they don't accept BUPA, which is my health plan. I thought about paying for the assessment, but what would be the next step after that? Do you know of any support groups for parents of children with ADHD (or an online forum?)? I don't really know where to start and I have so many questions. I have been searching on the internet but I still haven't found a step-by-step guide on where to go.

You apply online and then the pool of doctors there decide if they would like to take you on - rather than you applying to a particular one. I think that's probably quite a good method of getting a good fit.

No idea if they take private insurance. We had BUPA years ago, but they kicked DD off as soon as she had a growth issue so I don't have much time for private insurers! We just paid out of savings.

No idea on groups - Mumsnet is pretty decent if you have questions. Thing is that ADHD is pretty specific to each individual. Girls tend to have a very different presentation from boys, and ADHD can have very different challenges from ADD. The challenges also change as the child gets older.

With DD at 5, it was the running away, the lack of sleeping, the fidgeting, the complete resistance to any form of persuasion that were driving me crazy; by 13 it was her rising anxiety, the inability to focus, the poor executive function as well as the fidgeting, lack of sleep etc.

There are some very good books. Best one is 'The Parents Guide to ADHD Medication' which I was very relieved I had read several times before we saw the consultant. They wanted DD to start medication straight away and having read the book it meant I didn't have a million questions and could understand what they were telling me.

Sometimes they won't recommend meds as a first step - parenting courses and strategies are tried first.

Thanks for all this information @OhCrumbsWhereNow! I'm going to look for this book and please, if you could recommend other books/websites, I would be very grateful. I think my son has more of an inattentive profile than a hyperactive one, anyway I imagine there are different levels - I'm still learning about this.