How can I help my friend and her son who has ADHD and suspected Autism?

[Dot457]

Hello.

Sorry for the long subject line. I am new to this subject on mumsnet so please tell me if I should be posting elsewhere.

My best friend has 3 children, her eldest is 8 years old and was diagnosed with ADHD/ASD a few years ago now. He also has suspected Autism. They moved away as her husband is in the Army and have just recently moved back home (Yorkshire).

He has been on medication, although I'm not sure what exactly. When they lived down south, he had monthly check ins with the paediatrician to check on him, if his meds were ok and if anything needed changing etc. They have now lived back up north for 5 months and theyve heard nothing. Her son has lost so much weight, unsure if this is through stress on him, moving and changing schools, or if this is due to his medication. His behaviour is the worst it's ever been and has daily meltdowns. This obviously affects his younger siblings too. My friend has called the GP weekly to see if something can be done but she keeps getting fobbed off with "Its pushed back because of covid"

Completely appreciate there is a pandemic and covid has affected everyone in some way, but how can they allow this to affect this child's mental health and now his physical health? She's going out of her mind with worry for her son and I can't help them.

I have suggested contacting the local MP but I'm not sure if that would help. Can anyone suggest anything in this situation? I want to help my friend but more so I want to help her son.

Thank you for reading.

If the child is losing weight that needs to be investigated so she needs to insist on a GP appointment and ask for a referral to ... Not sure who, presumably pediatrics? Probably also CAMHS? If the GP won't give an appointment she should make a formal complaint as this can't wait. GPs are seeing people face to face where necessary, my son had a face to face recently for a suspected bladder infection.

I'd suggest your friend also speaks to the school, they should have a home/ school link worker who can help ensure he gets medical attention progressed and the school nurse might also be able to help.

Finally it's worth checking out local support services for SEN and autism and seeing if they can offer any practical advice to manage behaviour and reduce stress.

I’m a bit confused ASD is autism so if he has been given as ASD DX he has already been identified as having autism.
My advice would be to contact the National Autistic Society, they have great advice and support networks.