I am struggling, my child is struggling. It’s been an uphill battle for the last few months.
He is 7 years old. Boisterous, happy, confident child, though he is starting to fall apart. Since he was 3 I’ve noticed some behavioural issues, but nothing to warrant looking for help outside the home. He integrated well in daycare, Kindy & 1st few years at school. Now he is in year 2 everything has changed.
We have suspected Inattentive ADD with a small hyperactivity issue for a while, but nothing to be concerned with, until recently. Routine, support & managing behaviour has worked well up until now.
Recently, he is becoming violent & disobedient at school & he cannot explain why. We have tried working out if there are secondary issues instigating this, but so far, apart from usual school struggles, there hasn’t been any major trauma, bullying or anything to warrant his behaviour. He keeps saying his brain isn’t working properly & he has no idea why it happens. He struggles with school work, but is doing ok if given some extra help & isn’t falling behind.
I’m having a hard time getting him seen or diagnosed by a Paediatrician. Wait lists are year long in QLD. Psychiatrists are not available either.
Where do I go from here? I’m on my 6th referral from GP & still no luck getting him seen ASAP. Not sure what to do or where to go.
Help with getting a 7yr old seen by Paediatrician or Child Psychiatrist for Inattentive ADD in QLD
Help with getting a 7yr old seen by Paediatrician or Child Psychiatrist for Inattentive ADD in QLD
Posted in:
Kids
2 Replies
Ask on a local Facebook group for your area, for recommendations of paediatricians who might be taking on new patients. Go back to your GP and get a referral to a child psychologist who specialises in behavioural issues. They can do the assessments needed for diagnosis, ADHD and others, then when you get an appointment with a paediatrician you’ve got all the information needed and can then start discussing treatment options. The psychologist will also be able to help with strategies for your son, yourself and the teachers to use in the moment when needed.
Unfortunately you are just going to have to wait your turn. Wait lists are huge and it's not fair for you to jump the queue when others have been waiting for so long. Many people think their case is urgent but in truth very few are which is why you can't jump the queue in most places.
Until then google is your friend to learn about ADHD. ADD is no longer diagnosed and is not part of the DSM-5. ADHD is what you need to be learning about.
Learn everything you can about ADHD. Learn about parenting an ADHD child, learn coping techniques for your child. Do whatever you can to help him while you wait your turn to be seen.
Just because you have to wait doesn't mean nothing can be done in the meantime.