We are meeting with DS (age 8) SENCO and Teacher next week to discuss ADHD referral so I'm doing some research in preparation. Due to DH working in health, both us and school have completed an initial questionnaire identifying moderate to high inattentive and hyperactivity symptoms.
In speaking to my GP, SENCO refer to CAMHS in our area, but I am expecting a lengthy wait. We are able to afford private assessment, but I'm put off about incurring high medication costs and check ups long term and being unable to get back into the NHS system for ongoing costs. It is on my list to speak to my doctor about this separately.
Overall the school has been very supportive over the past two years as his behaviour/traits have increased. I also think my DH will be initially reluctant to try medication, me less so.
I therefore wonder if the CAMHS wait is say 1 year, we would be better waiting for that or what have your experiences been of getting a quicker diagnosis privately? Does anyone have positive stories of CAMHS or that it's a generally poor/underfunded service? I'm keen to understand what benefit there was for you of getting a diagnosis sooner, how did that change the support for your child.
Most appreciate your responses. I feel quite sad and upset at the moment about where we are with our DS. I really don't want him to find life hard and feel guilt that ADHD is my fault some how.