How do I find a private Child Psychiatrist to assess my 9 year old son?

Question

I live in the northeast area of the UK and I really need to have him assessed.

I don't want to go back to CAHMS as they assessed him for ADHD several years ago - he didn't fit the criteria, but now I'm getting grief from them for going back as the behaviour is causing a lot of disruption. They're simply not interested.

He's on the SEN register at school due to the behavioural problems, but school say that he's fine. It's not just an issue of discipline at home and my younger son is not having any problems.

I don't know how you go about finding somebody to assess him privately.

Please help.

Answer 1

I could do it, but I am a very long...very long...way away.

Answer 2

Talk to the school and your doctor - both should be able to give you some recommendations.

Answer 3

Contact your local MP he or she may be able to put you in touch with local organisations, try to get a defined diagnosis via your GP.

Answer 4

My suggestion would be speak to your G.P. he has a duty to help you and remember that you are entitled to a second opinion.

Answer 5

email. or call muray to help you.

Answer 6

I had just the same problem as you with my daughter. She has amongst other things Asperger syndrome. She was on the SEN register at school but had no diagnosis and got very little help. The First thing you can do is go to your GP and tell him you want a 2nd opinion (which in the NHS you are entitled to). The other option is to go for a private diagnosis from a psychologist or psychiatrist. I found a list of psychologists from the National Autistic Society. I telephoned loads of them to see who would be best suited for the job. The psychologist I went to was really good and not too expensive. He diagnosed quite a few behavioural problems with my daughter and also recommended a specialist centre for my child. Because I paid for the diagnosis your local education authority does not have to recognise it or act on any of the recommendations. I have actually got my local PCT to fund my daughter to go for specialised treatment out of our local area. All of this has taken me 5 years of none stop letter writing, telephone calls and harassing people, but, it has been worth it. Do some research, never take no for answer and never ever give up for your childs sake after all you know him better than any one else. Good luck and let me know if you need any more help.

Answer 7

Don't panic.

My son was being disruptive in school. We also thought he had ADD. It turned out, he actually has mild dyslexia, and because he was struglling to learn, rather than feel embarassed, he would act up to get attention.

Think about getting him tested for dyslexia, or it could be another problem with possibly his hearing? If he can't hear in class.

Kids use bad behaviour, usually to cover up what's really goiing on. Ask the school if they can recommend him to someone who can test for dyslaexia, or to see a child psychologist. They should know.

Answer 8

Try an find a BCBA in your area that can point you to the right direction or look for a Developmental psychologist specifically