ADHD/Dyspraxia - will a diagnosis help DD?

[greyfriarskitty]

Hello, we've gone round and round in circles trying to work out whether it's worth getting some professional help with DD or not, and so I could really do with some advice.

DD is 10. She was assessed for Dyspraxia aged 5. Didn't get a diagnosis at the time as her fine motor skills were good, but did have a few sessions with the OT, doing cross body work which helped a lot.

Since then, a teacher at DD's school has also flagged up dyspraxia in terms of DD blurting out slightly socially inappropriate stuff (her daughter has dyspraxia so she is alert to it). DD is also very un-coordinated and is way behind the rest of the class in any sports. However, she could ride a bike age 6. Complicating factor is that she is borderline hypermobile, but again, falls short of a diagnosis.

For the last few years, DH and I have been wondering about inattentive ADHD, because DD is very, very distractible. Noise is quite bad, but reading is worse. We send her upstairs to do a simple job, she picks up a book, forgets everything she is meant to do. She is getting fed up with this herself and seems to be unable to change.

School are aware of this, but the further complicating factor is that DD is fairly able, so she is doing fine within school and so - technically - it's not causing any problems. But on the home side, it's very very noticeable.

I don't think we're going to get any help through the NHS, but we are wondering whether a private diagnosis would be helpful, not only so that DD can understand what's going on and not be so upset, but also so that we can find ways of dealing with her better. And with secondary school looming, if there is a problem, I would rather it were named now. As things stand, she is going to lose her bag/homework/phone every other day, so I think some kind of understanding would really help.

[heartbroken40]

My dear nephew has the same problem. He has dyspraxia, SPD, hypermobility and we suspect Adhd. My sister is planning to get him a diagnosis (privately). Things are getting worse with age and honestly we think a diagnosis, possibly some medication and occupational therapy (or whatever else is necessary) will be helpful.

I found some names for her, if you want?

[Waitingforsleep]

Hi grey, I don't have the answers however have a similar sounding dd and going for a private assessment in a few weeks. Please feel free to pm me and I can let you know anything I find out..

[greyfriarskitty]

Thanks for both those offers - I would definitely be interested in names, yes please!

[Moominmammacat]

I got my DS assessed at 7, privately, and it has really made a difference. He got a lot of physical help at primary, nothing at all at a very academic secondary, then extensive DSA at university. It's worth doing it for their self-esteem too so they realise they are not dim but have specific learning difficulties.

[heartbroken40]

Heard Daphne Keen is good (there is a thread about her in mumsnet) but she has a very long waiting list

Dear sis has tried to call her so many times but no luck so far.

The assessment is expensive, nearly £1,000 but worth it I heard

[elliejjtiny]

I was diagnosed with dyspraxia aged 19 and it changed my life, go for it.

[Waitingforsleep]

I have sent a pm and happy to do so to anyone else as our appointment is the end of the month.
I have reached breaking point today so I'm pleased to have an appointment. I hope I get answers as to why dd behaves the way she does so I can help and help myself. She is relentless I love her so much but I just don't get a break, she can't amuse herself, constantly talks to and at me, doesn't sleep well, has awful temper outbursts amongst a long list but is the most wonderful little girl. I feel dispair, happiness, sadness, frustration within the space of 5 mins with the way she is. Sorry, not havi g the best day but I would say to anyone who questions anything it would be best to find out.

Out of interest how did it change your life?

[elliejjtiny]

It meant I finally had a reason for why I struggled at school. I had the funding at university to put me on a level playing field with everyone else. I got into 6th form and then university by the skin of my teeth and repeating a year of school. I finished university with a 2.1 degree because I was getting the help I needed to reach my potential.