‘Where do I start and how do I get help?’ is the question that parents ask themselves when there is a suspicion that something is not quite right with their child. The following flowchart may help you organise your thoughts and think about what needs to be done and in what order to do it.
Suspicion of a neurodevelopmental disorder.
Something is not quite right, could it be Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD)?
Document your observations of your child.
What are you seeing or not seeing, what comments are you hearing from other people, what are the teachers saying?
Speak with your medical practitioner
Ask for a referral for an assessment with a paediatrician and a psychologist
Diagnosis is confirmed as ADHD without any further learning disability:
If your child is under 5 years of age
Make the Kinder / Early Intervention Services aware of the diagnosis
If your child is school age
Make an appointment with the school principal to discuss implications for educational pathways and adjustments that may be required
For the young adult
This information will provide information for post school pathways to study and employment for ‘reasonable accommodations’ to be made.
Diagnosis is confirmed as ADHD with possible associated learning disability:
Referral for further assessment
If you believe your child or the young adult shows signs of repetitive behaviours, communication and social issues, lack of understanding of concepts in comparison to children of the same age.
Cognitive assessment
What was my child’s IQ range? Normal 70 and above, mild range 70 to 55 or moderate to severe range below 55.
Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD)
Is this diagnosed and to what degree? High or low functioning.
If you receive a further diagnosis and your child is under 5 years of age.
Register with your local provider to access Early Intervention Services and register with disability services.
If your child is school age.
Make an appointment with the school principal to discuss implications for educational pathways and adjustments that may be required, provide documentation to the school to obtain further funding for school support and register with disability services.
For the young adult
This information will provide information for post school pathways to study and employment for ‘reasonable accommodations’ to be made and also register with disability services.