Neurodiversity
Notifications OFF
Hi,
So my 19 year old son has recently had his phones and laptop seized (voluntarily) by the police due to a report that came from Snapchat on his communications with an underage girl. Unfortunately, he has done this many times before. We are waiting to hear what they find on his devices and whether they want to pursue this further. He was diagnosed with ADHD a few years ago by CAHMS and at the same time the clinician said he most likely has autism as well but it wasn't necessary to carry out an assessment. I have been in touch with a solicitor who offers a service where an independent Psychologist can interview my son, diagnose and then write a report which is tailored to highlight the reasons why this may have caused my son to do what he has done, which could then be used in court should we need it. I do believe his neurodiversity has a lot to do with why he is doing this. This type of assessment is not cheap, around £2k but this is the same price as a standard private assessment. To go through the NHS is many years of a wait and through the right to choose pathway is 18 months. Time we don't have. I just wondered if anyone has experience of doing this particular method and whether there is any advice you can offer me from your experience?
Thank you in advance for any advice you can give x
So my 19 year old son has recently had his phones and laptop seized (voluntarily) by the police due to a report that came from Snapchat on his communications with an underage girl. Unfortunately, he has done this many times before. We are waiting to hear what they find on his devices and whether they want to pursue this further. He was diagnosed with ADHD a few years ago by CAHMS and at the same time the clinician said he most likely has autism as well but it wasn't necessary to carry out an assessment. I have been in touch with a solicitor who offers a service where an independent Psychologist can interview my son, diagnose and then write a report which is tailored to highlight the reasons why this may have caused my son to do what he has done, which could then be used in court should we need it. I do believe his neurodiversity has a lot to do with why he is doing this. This type of assessment is not cheap, around £2k but this is the same price as a standard private assessment. To go through the NHS is many years of a wait and through the right to choose pathway is 18 months. Time we don't have. I just wondered if anyone has experience of doing this particular method and whether there is any advice you can offer me from your experience?
Thank you in advance for any advice you can give x
Hi,
Sorry you find yourself asking for advice. My son is in the same situation, as are many other parents on here.. He is in the process of being assessed for ASD and ADHD so hopefully that will provide some insight. We have now been on his journey for just over a year and are awaiting charging decision from CPS and would probably consider an independant phsycological review at that point rather than spend the money now..
For us the immediate thing was to get our son to speak to the StopItNow counsellors and to start to understand why he found himself doing this..
In my opinion there were a number of factors that contributed to his conversations.. social media use from 14/15 where older females did to him what he is now accused of.. covid lockdowns.. online gaming... loneliness.. not able to communicate effectively... bullying at school.. curiosity.. immaturity.. and neurodiversity.. please don't take these as excuses for his actions..
In the past year he has dropped off social media, has focused on his job, passed his driving test, started playing football and socialising with his teammates.. he is starting to show maturity and has made so much progress.. my worry now is when does all that good work go to waste.. every day l say to myself what the hell have you done for the sake of trying to find friends online.. l despise social media and really hope that the under 16 ban comes into force..
Anyhow all l can do is wait and seek support from others on here.. not sure if that helps at all..
Sorry you find yourself asking for advice. My son is in the same situation, as are many other parents on here.. He is in the process of being assessed for ASD and ADHD so hopefully that will provide some insight. We have now been on his journey for just over a year and are awaiting charging decision from CPS and would probably consider an independant phsycological review at that point rather than spend the money now..
For us the immediate thing was to get our son to speak to the StopItNow counsellors and to start to understand why he found himself doing this..
In my opinion there were a number of factors that contributed to his conversations.. social media use from 14/15 where older females did to him what he is now accused of.. covid lockdowns.. online gaming... loneliness.. not able to communicate effectively... bullying at school.. curiosity.. immaturity.. and neurodiversity.. please don't take these as excuses for his actions..
In the past year he has dropped off social media, has focused on his job, passed his driving test, started playing football and socialising with his teammates.. he is starting to show maturity and has made so much progress.. my worry now is when does all that good work go to waste.. every day l say to myself what the hell have you done for the sake of trying to find friends online.. l despise social media and really hope that the under 16 ban comes into force..
Anyhow all l can do is wait and seek support from others on here.. not sure if that helps at all..
Many similarities with my 18yo son too who is also going through ADHD assessment. So difficult.
The thing is, the government now plans to ban under 16's from social media and teach social media in classes from September.. this is all too late for a generation of children and young adults.. the damage is already done.. the horse has bolted.. social media firms have been given the freedom to create addictive algorithms and lure young people into false security.. Ofcom should have regulated these businesses better.. putting safety before profits..
