Can't diagnose ADHD because school haven't noticed

[WeeMadArthur1]

Just been through an ADHD assessment with DD, she was so anxious and my main worry was that she'd not be able to articulate herself in the meeting, but she was really good and explained how she was feeling - unable to focus, misses big chunks of conversations as she's zoned out, no time management, can't prioritise tasks, spends hours worrying about A level revision but not actually doing it until the very last minute, fidgeting, etc.

We'd filled in forms beforehand and her college had as well, but because the teacher who filled it in hadn't noticed any of the issues above she doesn't reach the threshold for diagnosis as it has to be present in two settings.

The assessor asked me about primary and secondary school but they'd never raised it with us either because DD basically tries to make herself invisible at school because she's so anxious. I told the assessor that her difficulties have always been there but she masks at school and her teachers have always pointed out her shyness and anxiety but never her lack of concentration.

So the diagnosis is extremely high levels of anxiety but no ADHD. We still suspect ADHD as she has just about all the symptoms, but is there anything we can do if her schools have never picked it up?

Has she been diagnosed with ASD at all? I have the same problem here with my 15 year old DD. The forms at school didn't reflect her ADHD symptoms at all. We're seeking a diagnosis using Right to chose as camhs said she doesn't meet the threshold for assessment with them. I wonder what children who are home schooled do? It can't be the only way to diagnose it surely. Let's keep each other posted on what happens if we find out anymore. It's very frustrating isn't it?!

Thanks @Theordinary that's a good point about those who are home schooled, there must be another way. The person doing the assessment did suggest ASD (and she does meet a lot of the markers especially around social interaction), but she is now reluctant to go for an assessment for that because she thinks it will be the same because her teachers have never suggested it. My other DD was told by CAMHS that she doesn't meet the threshold for ASD assessment as well.

I think the next option will be to try right to choose for both ASD and ADHD. The waiting list is still about a year for those where we are though and DD will be an adult by then (she's 17 now).

I would persevere if you can. As I say my daughter was only diagnosed with ASD in September but her psychiatrist thinks she is likely ADHD as well. Apparently they now think that up to 70% of asd people also have ADHD. It would certainly explain a lot in my household! My son is diagnosed with both too.

Rather than the signs not being present at school, is it the school is not recognising them for what they are? Are the signs there in other setting e.g. extra-curricular clubs?

@BrumToTheRescue i think you're right about the schools not recognising the signs. Unfortunately for us our DD doesn't do any other clubs that could provide evidence. When she is in an educational setting she masks so well no one seems to pay her any attention. She no trouble at all and goes under the radar. At home she is messy, disorganised and frequently zones out when we are talking to her. Simply instructions have to be given repeatedly. She struggled a lot to concentrate on exams too. Even when there is a lot at stake she can't manage to keep focused.

@Theordinary I think this is the problem, a diagnosis can be made where there are signs at school (and there usually is even in DC who mask) but the school isn’t recognising them for what they are. If the assessment rules ADHD out just because the school say no problems even when there is then it is a poor assessment.