ADHD

A referral to CAHMS from your GP or the school for assessment I believe, but there is a long wait, two years is not unknown.
*CAHMS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

I would speak to his school first to see if they have concerns. I have 2 Grt. Grandsons diagnosed with it one medicated now by the GP. Its difficult because a diagnosis seems to follow them around and some people label them as 'the naughty child' it shouldn't happen but in my experience it still does.

My DS and DGS are both awaiting assessment. DS has been waiting 4 years, DGS, 2.

In both cases they went and saw their GP, although that depends on how your GP views neural diversity.

Despite the 'naughty child' description, not all children with ADHD are 'naughty. DGS wriggles a lot, but has never wandered around the classroom or anything like that. The main problem both DS and DGS have is difficulty concentrating and a habit of zoning out completely and disappear into a world of their own and being disorganised.

Ask to speak to the school SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator)
in the first instance. Many school staff are now trained to spot issues with children or conditions like ASD, ADHD and learning difficulties.

BTW, what makes you feel he might have ADHD?

I agree with “M0nica” many children with additional needs are NOT naughty and sadly some children without additional needs have horrendous behavioural issues

Cossy

BTW, what makes you feel he might have ADHD?

I agree with “M0nica” many children with additional needs are NOT naughty and sadly some children without additional needs have horrendous behavioural issues

He lacks focus and concentration and can't sit still or stop talking. Good school does its best, they sit him apart etc. We have noticed it since he was small. Has anyone gone the private route?

We paid for our granddaughter to be assessed for autism, it was about £2,000 and confirmed the initial school and GP suspicions. She now has an education, health and care plan and is eligible for PIP.

Don’t necessarily rely on the school, some ND children manage at school all day but really suffer.

I have ADD, currently a part of ADHD in diagnosis, I am not hyper. It has always been quite clear since I was a small child. I was not and am not naughty.

I do not take medication, I drink strong coffee. I know what bothers me, I set my day to manage myself and concentrate.

School and SENCO are good points to start with. A head of year could speak with his teachers for their take on it .

It has to be diagnosed by a psychiatrist who if necessary , will prescribe medication . A GP cannot prescribe on their own. It is possible to go private but there will still be a waiting list. What does your grandson want to happen?

fluttERBY123

Cossy

BTW, what makes you feel he might have ADHD?

I agree with “M0nica” many children with additional needs are NOT naughty and sadly some children without additional needs have horrendous behavioural issues

He lacks focus and concentration and can't sit still or stop talking. Good school does its best, they sit him apart etc. We have noticed it since he was small. Has anyone gone the private route?

Nuns reminded me, often, to sit still and concentrate. I'd no problem not talking, I'm introverted and shy - I assume teachers ask for silence?

I find protein snacks, protein meals, no sugar, low carb, and coffee to help. We're vegan: Hummus on celery, peanut butter on apples. Non-vegan: cheese, yoghurt are protein dense, I believe.

It does not have to be diagnosed by a psychiatrist. The assessment can be made by anyone who has undertaken and passed the special course which my dd who is a senior has done. Often schools do not have the expertise or the funds to send a child for diagnosis. There are plenary of independent assessors, dd is one, but they will charge over £400. This can be taken into school and used to draw up an educational plan.g

fluttERBY123

Cossy

BTW, what makes you feel he might have ADHD?

I agree with “M0nica” many children with additional needs are NOT naughty and sadly some children without additional needs have horrendous behavioural issues

He lacks focus and concentration and can't sit still or stop talking. Good school does its best, they sit him apart etc. We have noticed it since he was small. Has anyone gone the private route?

We went privately, but it was a long time ago.

I suggest your best bet would be to contact your local BUPA, Nuffield or other private hospital. You could also google for the names and details of any specialist clinics in your area.

However, be warned, at the moment, public or private, you will have a long wait, at least one (private) clinic in my area, is no longer taking on patients as its list is so long.

Your story of how the school reaccts rang bells with me. Our DS's first parents evening at secondary school. Each teacher discussed the tendency of DH's attention to wander, and each told us their solution. One teacher sat him directly in front of him and would not allow him to have anything on his desk, another asked him quick questions at regular intervals. It was a real tribute to how good his teachers were.

Discuss your grandson with his teachers first; they see him for long periods and in the context of other children. Children's behaviour varies according to the setting, and some children flourish in the structured setting of school with clear boundaries and routine and it is home where the problems occur. To be assessed with a 'condition' behaviour has to be pervasive.
Follow the route the school advises even though it may take time and make sure the assessor is properly qualified.

I've never been in this position so I may well be totally wrong, but I'd make an initial telephone approach to the GP, discuss it and ask whether he needs to be brought in. I think it's probably better not to offer your fears to the child too far in advance of a consultation - if he hasn't got ADHD, you could end up alarming him for no real reason. The GP will be well versed in how to break it to him if needs be.