Assessment
Adopted child specialist assessment
Adopted children often arrive with complex histories. This assessment takes the time to look at early life experiences alongside possible autism, ADHD and emotional wellbeing, so the whole child is understood.
Need help deciding what's right for your child?
Start with a free 15-minute call with Healthcare4Kids.
Tell us what's concerning you, ask any initial questions and we'll help you understand which of our services may be appropriate for your child.
When this assessment may help
- Your child was adopted or is in a long-term placement
- Early history is incomplete or uncertain
- Behaviour or attention difficulties are hard to explain
- Social or emotional difficulties at home or school
- You are unsure whether autism, ADHD or early experiences explain what you see
- Previous assessments have left questions unanswered
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.
Why a specialist assessment
Difficulties linked to early life experiences can look similar to autism or ADHD from the outside. Considering them side by side helps avoid a diagnosis that explains only part of the picture.
We allow extra time for a careful developmental history, using whatever information is available to you.
What it involves
The assessment follows the same NICE-standard approach as our other neurodevelopmental assessments, with a fuller clinical history, information from school and direct observation of your child in clinic.
The outcome may be a diagnosis, more than one, or none. Either way, you receive a clear explanation of our reasoning.
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 diagnostic report you can share with school, your GP and the NHS, written to NICE standards.
- 06
Treatment plan, if you go ahead
Where treatment or medication is appropriate, we review, titrate and support rather than discharge you at diagnosis.
Common questions
How long is the assessment and what does it cost?
It is a 3-hour assessment. Current fees are published on our fees page.
What if we have very little information about early life?
That is common. Share whatever you have when you enquire and the clinician will work with the information available.
Not sure this is the right assessment?
Book a free 15-minute call and we'll help you understand which service may be most appropriate.
Other services
ADHD assessment
A full NICE-standard diagnostic assessment for attention, focus, impulsivity and hyperactivity, with a written report and a clear management plan.
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