ADHD assessment for children and teenagers
A careful, family-centred assessment for 6 to 17 year olds, led by a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist. We bring together what you, your child and their school see, so the answer reflects your child’s whole life.
| Ages | 6 to 17 |
| Who you’ll see | A consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist |
| How | Video sessions with you and your child, plus school questionnaires |
| Your report | Within 15 working days of the final session |
| Wait | Usually 2 to 4 weeks |
| Fee | £1,195, paid when you book |
When parents get in touch
Often it’s a feeling that has built up over years, or a conversation with a teacher. Parents and schools commonly notice that a child:
- Struggles to settle, sit still or wait their turn
- Drifts off, misses instructions or seems not to listen
- Rushes work, makes careless mistakes or leaves it unfinished
- Loses things, forgets homework or PE kit
- Finds friendships hard because of interrupting or acting on impulse
- Has big emotional reactions, or is exhausted after holding it together at school
Every child is different.
Some children with ADHD are very active; others are quiet and dreamy, and are easily missed, particularly girls. Our assessment looks for both.
Under 6?
ADHD is rarely diagnosed in very young children. Your GP or health visitor can advise on parenting support and next steps.
What the assessment includes
Everything below is included in the assessment fee, apart from the optional QbTest.
- A detailed history with you, covering pregnancy and birth, development, health, family life and school
- Time with your child, in a way that suits their age, so we understand how things feel for them
- Questionnaires for parents and school, with your consent; we contact school directly
- A review of school reports and any previous assessments, such as from an educational psychologist
- Checks for related needs, including autism, learning difficulties, anxiety, sleep and tics
- A feedback meeting to explain the outcome and answer your questions
- A written report and a letter for school with practical suggestions for support
- Optional QbTest, a computer-based measure of attention, activity and impulsivity, for £225
Step by step
We keep sessions short and child-friendly, and can book them outside school hours where possible.
- Free 15-minute call Talk to us about your child and check that an assessment is the right next step.
- Questionnaires for home and school We send questionnaires to you and, with your consent, to your child’s school.
- Parent or carer session About 90 minutes by video with the psychiatrist, without your child.
- Session with your child A shorter, age-appropriate video session, with you there or close by.
- Feedback and report We meet to explain the outcome, then send your written report and a letter for school.
Preparing your child
- Keep it simple: “We’re meeting a doctor who helps children whose brains work in different ways, to find out what helps you most.”
- Reassure them there’s no test to pass and they can’t get anything wrong
- Choose a quiet room, and have a snack, drink and something to fiddle with nearby
- Let them know they can take a break at any point
Read our guide: how to prepare for your child’s ADHD assessment.
Who can book
A parent or carer with parental responsibility books and gives consent. Where possible we like both parents to be aware of the assessment.
Young people aged 16 or 17 can contact us themselves. We’ll usually suggest involving a parent or carer, with their agreement.
Private or NHS: how the routes compare
Children can be assessed for ADHD through the NHS, usually by CAMHS or a community paediatrician, or privately. Both should follow NICE guidance.
| What | NHS | Private |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of assessment | Free | Fixed fee, £1,195 with us |
| Typical wait | Often a year or more, depending on where you live | Usually 2 to 4 weeks with us |
| How to start | Referral from your GP, school or health visitor, depending on your area | Book directly. No referral needed |
| Medication while the dose is adjusted | NHS prescriptions | Private prescriptions, which you pay for |
| After that | Usually NHS prescriptions, with specialist reviews | Your GP may agree to share care. Some NHS children’s services don’t accept private diagnoses for NHS prescribing, so ask your GP first |
Read more: what a private ADHD assessment costs and will the NHS accept a private diagnosis?
Questions from parents
More answers on our FAQs page.
Will school accept a private diagnosis?
Schools should support your child based on their needs, whether or not there’s a diagnosis. Our report and school letter set out practical adjustments that help teachers do that.
What if school won’t complete the questionnaire?
We’ll follow up with them. If school input isn’t possible, we can use other evidence, such as reports or a teacher’s written comments, and explain any limits in the report.
Does my child have to be on medication if diagnosed?
No. NICE guidance puts support and adjustments at home and school first. Medication is one option for children whose ADHD still has a significant impact once that support is in place, and we would discuss it fully with you and your child.
Can you assess for autism at the same time?
We’ll always look out for signs of autism, as it often comes alongside ADHD. If a full autism assessment is needed, we’ll explain the options.
Do we need a referral from our GP or school?
No. A parent or carer with parental responsibility can book directly. We’ll ask for your GP’s details so we can keep them informed, with your consent.
My child is under 6. Can you help?
We assess children from age 6. For younger children, speak to your health visitor or GP, who can refer you to a community paediatrician if needed.
What happens when my child turns 18?
If your child is having treatment with us, we’ll plan the move to adult care with you well before their 18th birthday, so their care continues smoothly.
Talk to us about your child
Book a free 15-minute call. Tell us what you’ve noticed, and we’ll explain whether an assessment is the right next step, with no pressure to book.
Or call us on 0306 999 0123, Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm.