Does it sound like my child has ADHD?

[treetop122]

Parents evening with DDs teacher this week and she raised that she thinks she could have inattentive ADHD.
She is in year 6, obviously I don’t see her at school, she has a good working relationship with the teacher. Homework is done. She did slip below expected for maths and was in a little catch up group as a result. No other concerns around levels etc.
teachers reasons for thinking ADHD are that she seems distracted or she thinks she might have anxiety.
we plan on taking her to the Drs next week to see what they say.
Now at home we maybe have seen some traits. A bit messy, but not hugely. Can have big emotions but she is almost 11 and feel hormones are playing a part. She did start having outbursts around age 7 actually but never terrible enough or frequently enough to think they were a problem. Has always mouthed things, she was a thumb sucker, likes to put things in her mouth and bites her nails on and off. Can get distracted and would rather find the cat to play with when we ask her to brush her teeth.
shes always had balanced interests. Can maintain interest in an activity. No obsessions etc. good balance of hobbies. Lots of friends and very sociable and confident in different groups.

I suppose I’m asking, does this sound like ADHD to you? Have I been awful and missed it?

when I spoke to her. She said she feels like she has lots of thoughts and finds it hard to concentrate in a noisy classroom.
does anyone have any experience of this diagnosis with their child?

thank you for reading

See what the doctor says first and take action based on what the doctor says.

I would take the suggestion from a year 6 teacher much more seriously than whatever the GP says. I'm assuming you are UK based, so NHS assessment will likely take 2 years.

I would start working out what your DD is great at, and what she struggles with, and read up on executive functioning. Then you can focus on supporting her at home, and advocating for her at school. No diagnosis should be needed.

I recommend the book Smart but Scattered for executive functioning information.

Helping your DD to work out what type of brain she has, and what she needs to work with it (rather than against it), is the best gift you can give. Best of luck.

I should have said - no diagnosis should be needed but it is amazingly helpful to know that your brain is normal after all. I mean that school can support her needs without a diagnosis, it just helps fast track the conversation.

This is really amazing advice! Thank you, I really appreciate that!
I will be following the referral process but I have been thinking, what would the diagnosis do and how can I help her through school now as it will likely be years!
I suppose if she got a diagnosis then she may get extra support during exams which would be helpful.
we have already guided her towards her strengths. She is very creative and sporty. Very sociable. Loves writing but handwriting is messy and she makes silly spelling mistakes. Great at drawing. Struggled with maths but with support has lightbulb moments and then gets it.
im just terrified that I have failed her by not spotting it sooner.

i will look up the book.

I'm just terrified that I have failed her by not spotting it sooner

This is understandable, but you are here, looking for support in how you can help her. I dream of a day when the whole of society knows about neurodivergence and we are curious about children from way before school. But that's not where we are right now.

You've learnt that your DD might need something different to what she's getting, and you're looking into what that might be. That's good parenting. Be kind to yourself 😊

Also (one day I'll say everything I want to first time round), your DD sounds absolutely ace. Make sure she knows it. Kids who struggle with the type of academia we insist on teaching in our schools can spend all day being shown or being actively told they are no good at what is measured there. My kids are ND and my number one priority is their self esteem.