Could really do with some advice / help - neurodivergent and GCSE's

[openjoy]

Hi all,

I'm typing this feeling at a loss.

My DS is really struggling. We (him, school and parents) all feel there is an ADHD diagnosis there. I'd say looking back the signs / traits were there but he appeared to manage and it wasn't a big deal. Well, now it seems to have gone from 0-100 with the pressure of GCSE's. I've contacted GP to begin Right to Choose process. School are being helpful and I'm just trying my best to support him however I can. But there's no overnight diagnosis or immediate help available.

I'm sure he's in burnout. I'm struggling to pull him out of it. His mood is low. His concentration is completely gone. He's barely out of bed.

Can anyone with experience point me in the direction of helpful information, supplements / vitamins that will help him / any other ideas or ways I can support him. I'm really trying but now I find myself googling for help and there's so many different sources I feel recommendation may be easier.

If there is a different board for this, please do let me know.

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

A very worried Mum.

Have you checked out his physical health? Make sure it's not something like low vitamin D adding to the potential ADHD and school stress.

Does he confide in you? Are there any social problems at school? Any bullying?

I wouldn't try to get a private diagnosis, many private diagnoses of ADHD aren't accepted by CAMHS and then you've paid £1000 for a diagnosis with no support or medication available. Stay on the NHS waiting list.

But in the short term, will school allow him to drop a few GCSEs to take the pressure off?

What year is he in?

Melatonin can help with sleep.

If he is anxious GP might help possibly refer him for some CBT either NHS or private.

If year 11, then dropping one of more might help.

Year 11? It's a stressful time. With my ds who did have an asd diagnosis but probably should have had an adhd one too (and may have benefited from meds but we left it too late) I did the following:
He took a specific omega tablet with high levels of dha. There is some evidence that it helps adhd symptoms although obviously not as good as actual prescription medication. But I think the routine of taking it was good for him.
Probably more importantly - just choose five or six GCSEs he is going to focus on including English language and maths. Don't drop the others (school probably won't let you anyway) but don't sweat them. Is there one that has an NEA part he could get out of the way.
Remember he really just needs 5 passes for his next step, or 5 decent ones if he is going to do A levels. But breaking it down like this makes it manageable, and if he feels on top of the 5 he can always move onto the others.
I think the sheer sweep of what they are supposed to know can feel overwhelming, so reducing that load may get him to a better place. Best of luck.