Assessment
Private ADHD assessment for children
A full diagnostic assessment of attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity, carried out to NICE guideline NG87 - with a written report you can take to school, your GP and the NHS.
What parents often notice first
- Losing focus quickly, even on things they enjoy
- Homework taking hours longer than it should
- Constant movement, fidgeting or an inability to settle
- Acting or speaking before thinking it through
- Forgetfulness, lost belongings and missed instructions
- School reports that say 'capable but not applying themselves'
- Big emotional reactions that pass as quickly as they arrive
- Difficulty waiting, taking turns or managing frustration
None of these on their own mean a diagnosis. Assessment is about understanding the whole picture of your child across home, school and social life.
How we assess ADHD
ADHD cannot be diagnosed from a single conversation or a questionnaire score. We build a picture from several directions: your child's developmental history, standardised rating scales completed by you and by school, and direct observation in clinic.
We look specifically at whether difficulties appear in more than one setting, whether they have been present over time, and how far they affect daily life. We also consider what else could explain the same picture - anxiety, sleep, learning difficulties or autism - rather than reaching for the first label that fits.
Medication and management
Diagnosis is only useful if something follows it. Where medication is appropriate we discuss the options honestly, including what it can and cannot do, then start and titrate it with regular review.
Medication is never the only answer. Your plan will also cover practical strategies for home and for school, and what reasonable adjustments to ask for.
If it isn't ADHD
Sometimes the assessment finds that ADHD is not the explanation. That is a genuinely useful outcome, and we will say so clearly and set out what we think is going on instead and who is best placed to help.
How the assessment works
- 01
Get in touch
Send a short enquiry describing your concerns. We'll tell you which type of appointment fits, or say honestly if we're not the right service.
- 02
Pre-assessment information
We gather developmental history, school observations and standardised questionnaires before you come in, so clinic time is spent with your child.
- 03
Clinic appointment
An unhurried consultation at our Leamington Spa clinic with direct observation and time for both you and your child to be heard.
- 04
Diagnosis explained
Findings are explained in plain language on the day - what they mean, what they don't, and what happens next.
- 05
Written report
A full report you can share with school, your GP and the NHS, written to NICE standards.
- 06
Ongoing management
Where treatment or medication is appropriate, we review, titrate and support rather than discharge you at diagnosis.
Common questions
How old does my child need to be?
We assess children and young people up to 18. The approach differs with age - a six-year-old and a sixteen-year-old need very different conversations - so tell us your child's age when you enquire.
Will school accept the diagnosis?
Reports are written to NICE guideline NG87. A report of this standard should be accepted by your child's school and by the NHS, and is commonly used to support requests for classroom adjustments.
Can you prescribe and manage medication?
Yes. Where medication is clinically appropriate we can start it, adjust the dose over time and review progress, rather than diagnosing and discharging.
Could my child have autism as well?
It is common for both to be present. If the picture suggests it, a combined autism and ADHD assessment looks at the two together and usually gives a clearer answer than assessing them separately.
Other services
Autism assessment
A structured autism (ASD) diagnostic assessment drawing on school information, developmental history and direct observation of your child.
Combined autism & ADHD
Both assessments carried out together, so overlapping traits are considered side by side rather than in two separate journeys.
Anxiety & mental health
Assessment and ongoing management of anxiety, low mood and emotional wellbeing in children and young people.
Talk to us about your child
Tell us a little about your concerns and we'll advise on the right type of appointment - there's no obligation to book.
ADHD assessments, autism assessments and combined ASD/ADHD assessments are all currently bookable.
- Phone
- 01926 624 235