ADHD-positive OT or coach, online or in London/Croydon?

[Singmyselftosleep]

Hi,
my 16yo’s just been poleaxed by a college assessment that he probably has ADHD &/or dyslexia. He is about to sit GCSEs and we are very grateful that he’s been awarded extra support, but he’s been home educated aged 5-14 so I think his difficulties didn’t show up as they might have in school, and this is a shock.

I’m worried he might feel helpless, he is talking in terms of finding out he has a ‘limiter’ on his brain. He wants to seek diagnosis but a: I think this will take ages & may not help/be actually harmful in that feeling of helplessness. He is predicted reasonably good grades and has plans for next level learning and career ideas. A friend suggested an ADHD-positive OT or coach might be helpful - any recommendations? Or other advice, all much appreciated.

Personally, I think assessment and diagnosis (where it applies) is important. Especially if DS would want to consider medication if he was diagnosed with ADHD. At 16, DS could seek an assessment even if you didn’t agree to it.

For OT, you could look at Catriona Ogilvy, Aniesa Blore and Diana Pierags. Although, why an OT? I would think something like an educational psychologist might be more helpful at this point. Personally, I wouldn’t be looking for an ADHD coach without pursuing an assessment. Assessment is needed to understand needs, IMO.

Thank you. I realise my post is not written clearly: I’ll support him in seeking diagnosis. I think this will take ages and am wondering about an OT/coach for practical, positive help in the meantime. But maybe I need to look at Ed psychs.

The assessor, when asked for more clarification, is now emphasising dyslexia as the most likely dx. He’s recommending a dyslexia teacher for diagnosis, but would an ed psych be qualified to decide which diagnosis fits best, or if both do? Is private the only option?

Personally, I would go for an ed psych over a dyslexia assessor. The reason being the former will have a wider focus and a more comprehensive assessment. Neither can diagnose ADHD. Both could suggest further assessment if they felt it was necessary. You are unlikely to get an ed psych assessment via the college.

Thank you, @StrivingForSleep, I appreciate your advice.

Is there a type of dr/other role able to look at a person holistically and diagnose freely?

You won’t find one healthcare professional who can assess for and diagnose if relevant ADHD and dyslexia.

Ok, thank you