ADHD symptoms DD

[Confusedbutheyho]

Myself, my mother, my other children have always done well academically.

My daughter has struggled immensely to focus and learn and the more I read about ADHD the more I think she has this condition.

I’ve looked at Harley Sreet psychiatrists and. Test costs about £395. Would this diagnosis be official and taken into consideration by Education establishments? Or what route should I take?

Anyone else with experience of getting a teen diagnosed?

I'm not saying you are wrong in thinking it's ADHD, but the trouble with thinking your child has a single condition and pursuing a diagnosis for that alone is that it could well be something different. So many conditions have traits that overlap with other conditions and so many don't present alone.

Also for £395 in Harley Street the price sounds very low for a diagnostic assessment, are you sure it's not just a screening test, which is not a medical diagnosis and wouldn't be any use to access any support for her.

Assessments are better carried out by a team usually Paed, Ed Psych, SLT and OT who will evaluate the child and then decide which condition(s) are present, it's very common for children to have several conditions, hence the multi disciplinary approach to diagnosis.

Definitely ask the GP for a referral and when you do, ask if the team also do private diagnoses.

Many health professionals who diagnose for the NHS also have private practise, so it can be possible to see the same person either on the NHS with a very long wait or privately and much quicker. A diagnosis done privately by someone who also diagnoses for the NHS is sound and will not be challenged.

Yes we did. The assessment took place at the Portland by a Paediatrician who specialised in neurodevelopment conditions and in particular ADHD. It was not immediately suggested but there are some very basic symptoms that if you tick all/most boxes it is highly likely. Check out the NHS list of symptoms, it's a very good place to start.

Also, symptoms are always present at school and at home, that is important.

The costs were about £600ish few years ago. You fill in lots of forms and school must do the same. They need to collaborate with you in this process. Can you get them on board?

Good luck