Nearly 5 year old struggling in reception… adhd assessment?

[mommytobe2020]

Looking for some advice please. My son recently started reception and we’ve already been called in regarding his behaviors (struggling to sit, some impulsiveness, some sensory (licking things which he doesn’t do at home). I’ve always suspected adhd as it runs in my family and we had him screened for adhd / asd in April- Result was possible adhd but wait and see approach. I am American and it seems they diagnose and treat (medication) from 4/5 whereas here in UK I’m finding it is a couple years later?
I have found what looks like from reviews a good private doctor who is ok to assess him at this age. My DH is weary because others won’t assess at this age and wondering if he’s too young.
i don’t want my DS to continue to struggle, impact potential friendships, confidence. He is such a sweet boy and so happy! He’s been so excited to go to big boy school. I don’t want him to be known as the naughty boy when I know he’s so good and pure.

Any advice and thoughts on his age and an assessment now? Any advice on helpful resources, Treatments / therapy? We live in central London.

thank you

Hello. Mine was very similar and really struggled in reception (particularly at the beginning). I'd get in touch with the SENCO at school and push for an assessment with the outside experts e.g. sendit or an ed physc, to get him some support. This really helped, a lot of it was about overwhelm and lack of structure. He has just started yr1 and the difference is like night and day. He's so much more settled and doing so well. Part of that is the additional support and part is maturity.

Some of this behaviour could be misunderstood but the outside help have been amazing and results staggering! Good luck and message me if you need any help! X

Have you spoken to the school? What support is in place?

Has DS had a sensory OT assessment?

@flawlessflipper I am meeting with SENCO tomorrow. So far have only met with his teacher. She was going to try a weighted blanket because he does not like the wobble seat.

He went to an OT when he was younger- about 2.5/3. I wasn’t so sure we saw much difference or impact. But they did say he was sensory seeking. I notice he is in that he likes to crash into his bed and is always on the move. Would you suggest I bring him back?

The school should be providing more support than a wobble cushion and weighted blanket.

Yes, an OT assessment from someone with qualifications and experience to look at the sensory integration side of things will help. Not all OTs have these qualifications/experience, and some only have basic qualifications/experience.

I live outside of the UK, but just received my 5 year old DS ADHD diagnosis today (combined). I had the same thoughts with him being so young. But just trust your gut, and if you feel it’s the right thing to do it can only help, not hinder. I feel so relieved having the recognition and subsequently the treatment/therapy plan in place. You’ve got this! Good luck ☺️

I knew mone had adhd at 4. She had huge issues at reception, which school saw. However they are truly rubbish with sen and it went until age 9 when she had an exclusion from an extra curricular.
So referred at 9. Finally saw adhd clinic at 12...
Offered meds.

But in the meantime
Y6 teacher didnt want her to go on residential
Y8 --shes been exluded from another club.
Fewer and fewer friends from y2 onwards.
Now isolated depressed, suicidal.

So overall i wouldnt be following what uk do. Its about cost cpsaving and frankly crap nhs and schools.
Also by y9 the school didnt really show so many adhd signs on forms as all kids can sit still by then. They just internalise the fidgeting.