A DOCTOR who had to wait six years for her son to be diagnosed with ADHD and autism has opened a new specialist clinic so other parents do not have to go through the “stress and frustration” she had to.

Dr Polly Branney first noticed her son Olly was having problems with his behaviour at school and at home when he was six years old.

But Dr Branney said it took six years until he was formally diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and Asperger’s syndrome, at the age of 12.

Four years later, Dr Branney has set up the county’s first dedicated clinic offering private diagnosis, treatment and support for adults and children who have ADHD and autism, the Oxford ADHD Centre which opened earlier this month.

The 48-year-old from Kidlington said she did not want other parents to go through the long, difficult and stressful experience she and Olly had.

She added: “It was very, very difficult, and very frustrating. I didn’t know what was wrong and it was upsetting for both of us.

“The biggest stress was what some people call ‘meltdowns’, when he would lose control and become very angry.

“Children with ADHD can often be impulsive and lose their temper for no reason when they have outbursts that can be aggressive.”

Dr Branney said that getting Olly diagnosed transformed their lives because he was then able to get the medication and support he needed.

She added: “When he started his medication our lives were transformed. things were so much better.”

Dr Branney gave up her full-time job as a GP a year ago and took on locum work while she set up the centre, in Windmill Road, Headington.

She said one of the biggest barriers to getting a diagnosis can be a lack of information about the conditions and she now helps train GPs to recognise conditions such as ADHD and autism.

She added: “A diagnosis is huge – it was an explanation and a relief to know what was going on.

“I was a GP and I still didn’t pick it up. I knew there was something wrong but couldn’t put my finger on it .”

The centre will offer a range of services including diagnosis, treatment and support for people with ADHD, autistic spectrum disorders and other related conditions.

Dr Branney has brought together a team of specialist doctors, psychiatrists and paediatricians as well as speech and language therapists, psychologists, specialist coaches and an occupational therapist .

At the moment a diagnosis at the private clinic can cost about £850, but Dr Branney hopes to secure NHS funding once it has become established.

Visit oxfordadhdcentre.co.uk.