ADHD assessment 12 year old

[Remmy123]

Hi there

My son who is 12 has asked me to get him assessed for ADHD as he says he finds it hard to concentrate in school - he has a couple of friends with it and feels their symptoms are familiar.

A teacher has never mentioned this as a possibility before to me.

But he had bad organisation and concentration skills.

Where do I go for an assessment? Do I call a GP or speak with his school ?

You need a referral letter. If you can afford to, go private as the waiting times are really long.

I have just been through this process with DD12 who has ADHD and ASD total cost private (3 consultations) about 950.

Thanks - think we can wait, what is the benefit of knowing? I don't want him on medication as he is already on daily medication for something else

Benefits of knowing is the school can put a specific plan in place which also means they may get extra time/can chose less subjects/they are able to intervene in exams to draw their attention back to what they are supposed to be doing.

I was adverse to medication but it's making a massive difference. She only takes it on school days.

Well it's really postive that your DC has come to you about this. First port of call would be GP to ask for a referral- could be beneficial for your DC to speak to gp too. Waiting lists can be long on nhs - up to 3 years. Private assessment can be done in couple of months but obviously more expensive. As to medication I think it would be a conversation between DC, yourself and diagnosing consultant. Medication has been life changing for my DC and he is on other daily medication for another condition