How to get a dx of ADHD?

[IndigoBell]

Grrr. Paedetrician has just informed us that they don't take referrals for possible ADHD - and have recommended we get a referral to CFAC (CAMHS) instead.

Can a clinical psych make a dx of ADHD?????

(Unforutnately our other child has been to CFAC before - and we did not have a good experience with them...)

Thanks

Did the paed inform you in writing?

We rang up her secretary to find out when we'd be seen, and she said they don't see kids over 5 with suspected ADHD - instead they should be seen by CFAC.

So you have a referral already? But they aren't accepting it? Is that what has happened?

Can you throw some other suspected dx into the equation?

I'd still write to them to clarify that this is their position and what they have recommended. Point out any time that might have been wasted for having gone down this particular blind alley.

You might find they change their minds. If not you still have some evidence of being messed around that might get you seen more quickly by CFAC.

Who referred you to the Paed?

Ok, I just rang CFAC and they said they can dx ADHD.

Bah, humbug. Our paed is really good and our CFAC is really bad. :(

Oh, well. I never expected a dx to be quick. If CFAC are shite when we see them we can always go private afterwards......

That is ridiculous Indigio. Can you try again and not say what you suspect - just give symptoms and tell them you're worried about her and would like a referral to the paed for investigation.

Our son was referred via the school and he was diagnosed by the community pead linked to the school. Have you asked the school who theirs is?

It's so confusing, isn't it? DS2's paed is going on "possible" ADHD as part of his list of "possibles" as she is not comfortable dx'ing ADHD when he is "only 4." She said she could "firm it up if we needed it for something in particular" (such as statement and such, was my understanding), but she prefers to hold off just a bit until he is older and she can get a more clear view of where he's at. He's still getting the assistance he needs, but from her own medical standpoint, she prefers to wait a bit. CAMHS on the other hand, told us he was too young for them to work with still.

Just makes my head spin how different agencies in different areas give such different answers. No wonder we as parents always feel like we're on the back foot and fighting to find out what's going on.

when my son was 4 we went via gp to paed (child development ctr) and were ref to canhs who were awful and no help at all we did a full circle of all the medical /red tape i felt they were ignoring everything i said and only reciently have got a diagnosis now hes 10 unbelievable but camhs and paed and all the specialists were great this time round ive not moved just different staff i guess all the hosp and specialists kept using as excuse was hes too young we dont like to say, but now hes 10 they are all omg why wasnt it diagnosed b4 hmmm you tell me grrr they drive you nuts

I don't trust the CAMHS where I am. They twisted everything we said so that I looked like a complete nutter with anger issues and agoraphobic. What I actually said was that I found it hard to get past the naughty behaviour and move on positively and that I didn't like taking my son out in case he was naughty.