Advice on how to begin daughter’s possible ADHD diagnosis…?

[AlwaysColdHands]

Hello, my daughter has had possible ADHD traits flagged by school (age 5, going into Yr1) they have referred her for early help.
This has really been coming out badly at home recently too, lots of challenging behaviour and more. It’s having a really big impact on our family life.
So I have a doctors appointment to discuss initial
concerns. I’m under no illusions as to waiting lists, lack of provision, etc. but want to initiate the process as I’m aware of the need for documentation trails.
I have a lengthy list of traits I’ve been noting down for some time now to present.
For those who’ve been here already, what should I be asking for or what should I expect?

Any guidance or tips would be really appreciated

The process varies area to area. The appointment you have with the GP will allow you to ask for a referral for an ADHD assessment and it is good you have made some notes. There will probably be a long waiting list. There may be some questionnaires. Many use the QB test.

I did a genogram which both GP and consultants found useful.

Basically a family tree that noted all the neurodiversities, SpLd and psychiatric conditions in grandparents, parents, aunts/uncles, cousins on both mine and DH's sides.

GP took one look and said it was obviously going to be a case of 'when' rather than 'if' we got the diagnosis.

Also compiling old school reports is useful.

I did a 5 page report that covered things like antenatal issue, birth (DD had a very traumatic birth), dates of milestones etc

What was very useful for us was that DD has had one external teacher who has seen her weekly for 7 years and knows her as well as I do. He completed the SNAP and wrote a detailed letter about the problems he saw and where she was very different from others that he taught.

This was incredibly useful given no teacher at secondary had taught DD for more than 3 hours a week for 2 terms (hardly great insight if your ADHD child is not one that is obviously bouncing off the walls) so have a think if there is a 3rd party who knows your child well.