Is it ADHD?

[needaname19]

Hi all, I posed here recently and had some great advice so I'm back again!
My son has just started reception and we are waiting for the EP to visit in the Spring, with the view of him being put forward for ASD assessment (would be very, very surprised if he didn't come away with a diagnosis of this). However, I'm starting to wonder about ADHD too?
He is very 'on the go' and doesn't sit still, which I've always thought fairly usual for a 5 year old boy, but now not so sure. He has zero impulse control and always seems stuck in some kind of agitated, 'fight or flight' mode. He is also very away with the fairies and constantly zones out - this is having a massive impact on his learning and he is starting to fall further behind his peers academically. Do you think this sounds like ADHD too, or just autism? I'm just wondering whether going down the medication route would support him in being able to learn in school?
I've always been really reluctant to medicate, but I don't think he is going to be able to learn anything the way things are. He's been in ABA for six months, so we have tried behavioural methods, but he's just so in his own world!
Sorry for such a long thread, but any advice would be great!

It could be ADHD or what you describe can be related to ASD. There can be quite a bit of overlap between the signs of ASD and ADHD (and some other diagnoses too).

Many find medication useful.

What support is DS receiving?

Thanks @EndlessLight . He has an ABA tutor in school with him for two morning sessions a week, but that's all at the moment (he's currently in mainstream, but falling further and further behind). He's on a waiting list for SLT and OT/sensory integration therapy, but that likely won't be until January. We are at ours wits end really, his impulsive behaviour is becoming unmanageable. I'm considering paying for private ADHD assessment, so that he could access medication if he needs it? But would being medicated impact a future ASD assessment? Really don't know what to do!

You should request an EHCNA. On their website, IPSEA has a model letter you can use.

Request a meeting with the school’s SENCO. There is more they can be doing.

Some HCPs won’t assess for ADHD until 6 even privately.

An ADHD diagnosis and medication won’t prevent an ASD assessment/diagnosis.