Good sources of information about ADHD and ASD (particularly re teenagers/girls)?

[MsFogi]

The more I am looking on the web, the more confused I am getting. I strongly suspect that dd may have ADHD and/or ASD and this is having a severe impact on her now. So I want to get her assessed and will need to go private given the waitlists. Clearly this is an enormous amount of money for us to spend so I am trying to do a sense check before I book anything. Can anyone point me in the direction of good checklists of potential symptoms of ADHD and ASD so that I can work through these and think about examples before contacting clinics (I know that a simple google brings up 'symptoms' however I am unclear which websites are reliable and which are some random person making up a list of symptoms that any teenager may have).
Also If anyone can give any insight on whether it is best to do an ADHD or ASD assessment first or second I should be grateful. And, if anyone can suggest factors to think about when deciding on a clinic (or indeed recommend one in London/Kent or SE England) that would be great - I want to ensure that any diagnosis is one that will be recognised by the school, exam boards (is that even relevant?) and the NHS.
Thank you - I am feeling a bit lost and overwhelmed starting on this journey but even talking to dd about it was a huge relief to her as it seems she had started to wonder herself and tells me that just 'knowing' would help.

It is probably worth checking asap so that you have time to get the company to help you if there is an issue.

Letter has gone to the GP this week so I will find out...

@MsFogi @comfortablyfrumpy
I was just wondering how things are going with your DCs and the ADHD diagnosis?

I am in a similar position as 17year old DD has confided to me her concerns that she could have ADD and the issues she is having with concentration and schoolwork.

I just don’t know where to start - she started at 6th form in September, so I don’t know the SENCO at all. Her teachers have only known her a few months.
Or do I start with the GP - although appointments are very difficult to get.

It’s a shame that this wasn’t picked up when she was in Secondary as the process would have been much easier.

DD has asked me to try and get her an assessment. I have to admit I have been putting it off - this year has not been easy for me and I just haven’t had the energy to sort it out but I know I really need to do something.

@Wolfout start by getting a referral from your GP. If you can afford to go private do it.

If there is a Priory clinic near you they often have an adolescent assessment service, I used the one in Oxford, really reputable consultant.

Medication for my DD13 has been life changing in terms of school.

@Wolfout your DD's situation sounds v similar to mine.

I got a private assessment as it is a 2 year wait via GP/CAMHS here.

She us on medication now, which she is finding helpful, and has had several follow up sessions. She is happy with her dosage now so is going to be handed over to the GP

It doesn't help that her Dad has been pretty unsupportive though this. She is doing OK though.

I do wish we had started the process earlier, but She had masked it so well it wasn't so apparent. Better late than never, however.

Good luck for your daughter's journey.

^^ To add, School have been great. She only started there in 6th form so they don't know her thst well, but SENCO is arranging for exam support etc abd they have been super.

Thank you, I’ll start with trying to get a GP appointment and contact the 6th form SENCO.

I am nervous of going straight down the medication route first, because of the side effects (from boys I know who are on medication), but would like advice on strategies to put in place to help her.

My DD was offered the choice of trying meds or not.
She had done her research and decided she did want to try meds.
For her it was the right decision. She has tried different levels, one dosage was too high, she has settled down now with one that she feels gives her the best benefit without side effects.

@Wolfout I agree with others, your first step is to get a referral from your GP. After that you will need to go private if you want a quick response.
We have tried a couple of meds so far and so far absolutely no impact for my DD unfortunately (i'd be interested to know what meds your dcs are using @jeaux90 and @comfortablylesslumpy). Good luck!

She's on ConcerrtaXL, @MsFogi

Hi, not meaning to hijacker the post, but wondered how the recently diagnosed daughters were getting on with their medication.

My DD had her assessment which we paid for privately in January which came back with ADHD inattentive. She was 17 at the time, is now 18 and we are waiting for an appointment to sort out medication. The provider we have gone with is saying they have a waiting list for medication at the moment until about June which doesn't help because her A Levels will be just about over by then and I'm not sure it's a great idea to start trialling medication as she sits her exams 😬

Hoping the mediation will help with mood regulation which seems to be a bit up and down like a yo-yo 😳