ADHD where to start!?

[Bobobab]

Hello happy new year!

My ds was diagnosed as autistic aged 5... we also suspect dyspraxia and we've recently had an OT help us with his sensory needs. The idea he may also have ADHD has only just really occurred to me... as a toddler he was very quiet and in his own world but since school he has become increasingly hyperactive, always on the move, talks at 100mph, hates it when there is a conversation not including him and shouts out random things. He is very disruptive at school and struggles to focus for any longer than 5 mins.

Has this change happened to anyone else (is it common with development?) and did you explore a further diagnosis or did helping the sensory challenges help?

The change may well be because of the environment of school.

What support is the school providing? Does DS have an EHCP?

Yes he has an EHCP and a full-time 1 to 1 support. It is Year 1 so a big step up in terms of what is needed attention wise but in school holidays we are seeing a difference in him too.

Does DS have sensory OT in his EHCP? DS’s sensory needs being met would help you determine whether his presentation is because of his sensory needs or maybe ADHD.

DS struggling in the holidays, especially the shorter holidays, doesn’t necessarily mean it isn’t a school problem. It can take some DC weeks/months to decompress and regulate. If school better met DS’s needs (whether it is ADHD or not), home life would improve too. It sounds like DS needs more support, have you requested an early review of his EHCP?

Thank you for your reply... we don't have sensory OT support on his EHC in our area this seems to be non existent and they offer courses to parents instead. So we paid for a private sensory OT assessment and her suggestions are incorporated into his school day and at home. So far things have worsened not improved.... Time will tell but I guess that was my question really we will have to wait either way but should we be considering ADHD now.

I don’t think a referral for an ADHD assessment would be a bad thing at this stage. Depending on his age and where you live you may have to wait a short while because sometimes referrals are rejected before 6.

It is irrelevant what is normally provided in your area. Next time you have the right of appeal, you should appeal. Request an early review. DS needs ongoing therapy.