ADHD referral rejected

[Afairyadragonandawarrior]

DS is 8 Y3 in school. Referred onto ADHD pathway Jan 2023. Initial form completed, 2nd further assessment form completed, 3rd further assessment form completed. Received a letter today, he doesn't meet the threshold to progress further with diagnosis.

They said he can't be referred again for six months. Said borderline ADHD at home, no signs of inattention or hyperactivity in school. Think is, school copied me in on the email they sent and they detailed examples of hyperactivity and inattention. Also provided additional information regarding classroom support, movement breaks, etc.

The letter said it is clear he has struggles.

Has anyone experienced this or similar? Can I appeal their decision or is it best to wait six months and resubmit a referral? I work with young people with ADHD and ASD and I am certain my son has ADHD. I work with people once already diagnosed so although I'm knowledgeable about the condition, I know very little about the diagnosis process.

Any advice would be appreciated. I know a diagnosis doesn't make a huge difference as such, but I feel it could help with continuity of support going to high school.

You could ask them to relook at their decision. I would check they actually received the school’s information and it hasn’t been lost.

Although support in school is based on needs rather than diagnosis.

Hi thanks for your reply. They definitely received it because there was an issue with them saying they hadn't so I re-sent it to them myself and they confirmed receipt the same day.

What you've said about school support being based on needs and no diagnosis makes me feel better about the situation. The school SENCO has said to me in the past that she will do a handover to his school when he moves up. I know it's a few years away but trying to think ahead to make sure it runs smoothly.