Adhd help please?

[bananafish]

My son (8) is finding lockdown especially difficult. It is getting worse by the day; he’s started to hit, push and hurt me everyday during his meltdowns.
He gets angry beyond all reason and this is coupled with extreme anxiety.
All I read points towards combined ADHD.
I don’t think there’s any hope of CAMHS help right now..
Has anyone got experience of private diagnosis and treatment that you could share please? Or even websites for strategies to deal with it
I feel very worried about it as well as being bruised all over, and I am frightened for him.
He talks of ‘not wanting to be here’ when he’s calm and he’s just so unhappy, and I don’t know how to help him.

Have you spoken to the school? If you tell them how much is struggling they may offer your son a place at school.

The school should also have a family support worker who may be able to help with behaviour.

From your description above I wouldnt automatically have thought ADHD, did your son have difficulties prior to lockdown?

You could try easing off in the schoolwork (if you are doing any) and having a daily plan with lots of fun activities to try and improve your son's mood?

I’m so sorry you are having to go through this. I know how hard it is. I have found the Additude website immensely helpful. Here is a link to an article about helping your child to manage their anger:

www.additudemag.com/download/angry-child-teaching-emotional-control/

Hopefully there will be some other articles that may also help you.

We went the private route with DS because we were at breaking point. If you possibly can I would explore that route. All the best.

Thank you both, appreciate the input.
The website looks great - will read through, ty.

Went private with our youngest child. He was diagnosed within a month and started medication. BUT that was when schools were in so they could observe in school as need identification in two settings.

You cam try fish oils - I use www.equazen.co.uk/products/childrens-chews/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&campaign=shopping&gclid=Cj0KCQiApY6BBhCsARIsAOI_GjZXcpo3FSSBLST_lAEXn_bqLzxlO5MLn0YgqJKQsBzVA6oVMXOqfqgaAg4REALw_wcB

You can get in boots or supermarket too.

Lots and lots of exercise can help regulation too.

We also went private. We had meds privately for about 5 months I think then they were taken over by the GP.