CHILD ADHD Assessments in the UK
If you’re concerned that your child may have ADHD, you’re not alone. Our clinic supports families across Preston, Lancashire and surrounding areas, while also working with families throughout the UK seeking private ADHD assessments. Many parents first notice changes in behaviour at school or at home - difficulties with attention, emotional regulation, impulsivity, or struggles with learning and friendships.
We work with children, teenagers, parents, schools and SENCOs to offer a safe, structured and evidence-based assessment process. Many parents tell us they’ve had a gut feeling for a long time that something isn’t quite right, but weren’t sure where to turn.
Our private child ADHD assessments in the UK provide a clear, professional diagnosis for children and young people, helping families understand what’s really going on and what support is needed next.
Signs of ADHD in children
Parents often begin considering an ADHD assessment after noticing patterns in their child’s behaviour at home or at school.
Common signs of ADHD in children may include:
- difficulty concentrating or staying focused on tasks
- frequent distraction or losing things easily
- impulsive behaviour or speaking out of turn
- emotional outbursts or difficulty regulating feelings
- constant movement, fidgeting or restlessness
- struggling to follow instructions or complete tasks
- challenges with friendships or social situations
Every child is different, and many of these behaviours can occur occasionally during development. However, when these difficulties are persistent and affecting learning, relationships or emotional wellbeing, a professional ADHD assessment can help provide clarity.
When signs of ADHD begin to affect a child’s learning, friendships or emotional wellbeing, many parents decide to seek a professional assessment. Teachers or SENCOs may also raise concerns when attention, impulsivity or behavioural patterns begin impacting classroom learning.
A structured ADHD assessment helps families move from uncertainty to clear understanding.
Your Child, Clear Answers
At The Therapy Company, our clinicians provide private ADHD assessments for children and young people, offering personalised support to help families understand behaviour, learning and emotional wellbeing.
ADHD assessment for children and teenagers
Our ADHD assessment for children and teenagers is designed to be:
Age-appropriate
Clinically robust
Supportive rather than intimidating
We assess children and young people from 7 years old through to late teens, adapting our approach depending on developmental stage and individual needs.
This includes ADHD assessment for young people preparing for GCSEs, A-levels or transitions into adulthood.
We also offer dedicated support for adults, with a separate adult ADHD assessment service.
what does a private child ADHD assessment involve?
A private ADHD assessment for children typically involves:
We start by speaking with parents or carers to understand concerns, background, and development history.
Your child or teenager meets with a qualified clinician specialising in ADHD. This may involve structured interviews, observation, and evidence-based assessment tools.
Where appropriate, we gather feedback from teachers or SENCOs to understand behaviour and learning in the classroom.
You'll receive a clear diagnosis, explanation of findings, and professional recommendations.
A detailed written report is provided, suitable for schools, GPs, or future support planning.
This is comprehensive ADHD testing for children, not a quick questionnaire.
In some cases, children being assessed for ADHD may also show signs of autism, or parents may wish to explore both.
If you’re weighing up your options, our article on choosing between NHS and private autism assessments explains the key differences in waiting times, costs, and the assessment process.
how adhd is diagnosed in children
ADHD assessments are based on internationally recognised clinical guidelines. Our clinicians follow established diagnostic frameworks including:
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DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
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NICE guidelines used across the UK healthcare system
Diagnosis involves gathering information from several sources, including parents, teachers and clinical observation. This ensures that the assessment provides a balanced and evidence-based understanding of your child’s behaviour, development and needs. A professional ADHD diagnosis is not based on a quick questionnaire. It involves a structured clinical process designed to ensure accuracy and appropriate support.
Safeguarding, wellbeing and clinical standards
Safeguarding is central to everything we do.
All assessments are delivered by trained mental health professionals with experience working with children and young people. We follow strict clinical protocols and ethical guidelines, ensuring:
Confidentiality and child protection
Age-appropriate communication
Supportive and non-judgemental approach
Clear parental involvement
We understand that this can be an emotional process for families. Our role is to guide, not overwhelm.
You can learn more about our clinicians and their experience on our meet the team page.
ADHD ASSESSMENT VS NHS WAITING TIMES
Many parents choose private assessment because of long NHS waiting lists, which can often stretch to 12–24 months or more. During this time, many children continue to struggle at school without formal support or understanding. A private child ADHD assessment UK allows:
Faster access to diagnosis
Clearer communication
More detailed reports
Greater flexibility around appointment times
For many families, early diagnosis leads to earlier support, better school outcomes and reduced long-term stress. While NHS waiting lists can extend to 12–24 months or longer, private assessments can often be arranged much sooner, helping children access appropriate support earlier in their education.
Early diagnosis can make a significant difference to:
School performance
Emotional wellbeing
Family understanding
Access to educational support
Support for schools, teachers and SENCOs
We regularly work alongside: teachers, SENCOs, educational psychologists and local authorities.
Our reports are written in a way that schools can use to:
Apply for additional support
Develop individual education plans (IEPs)
Adjust learning strategies
Improve classroom behaviour outcomes
This is particularly valuable where children are struggling academically or socially.
What happens after diagnosis?
Following a diagnosis, we can support families with:
Advice on behavioural strategies
Emotional wellbeing support
School recommendations
Referrals for ongoing therapy or coaching
Medication pathways (where appropriate)
Diagnosis is not the end, it’s the starting point for meaningful support.
We also offer ongoing therapy and emotional wellbeing support for children and young people.
Cost of a private child ADHD assessment
Parents often ask about the cost of a private ADHD assessment for children. In the UK, private ADHD assessments can vary depending on the complexity of the assessment, the involvement of schools, and the level of clinical input required.
A comprehensive ADHD assessment typically includes:
- An initial consultation with parents or carers.
- A structured clinical assessment with the child.
- Input from teachers or schools where appropriate.
- Diagnostic feedback and recommendations.
- A detailed written clinical report.
Our team always explains the process and expected costs clearly before any assessment takes place, allowing families to make an informed decision about next steps.
What Our Clients Say
Book a child ADHD assessment
If you’re worried about your child’s behaviour, learning or emotional wellbeing, the most important step is having a professional conversation.
Our team is here to help you understand your options and decide whether a formal assessment is right for your family.
FAQ's
Frequently Asked questions
Below are a selection of our most frequently asked questions. We hope that you get your questions answered below, but if not, please do reach out to us and we’ll be more than happy to help. Alternatively, if you’re ready to book your initial consultation with our team, please call us on 01772 440321.
What age can a child be assessed for ADHD?
Children can usually be assessed from early primary school age onwards. We also provide ADHD assessment for teenagers and young people preparing for adulthood.
Is a private ADHD assessment recognised by schools?
Yes. Our reports are written to clinical standards and are suitable for schools, SENCOs and local authorities.
Do you involve teachers or schools?
Where appropriate, yes. School feedback often plays a valuable role in understanding classroom behaviour and learning needs.
How long does a child ADHD assessment take?
Most ADHD assessments involve an initial consultation, a structured clinical assessment with the child, and time for clinicians to review information from parents and schools. A full assessment and written report may take several hours across multiple stages to ensure a thorough and accurate diagnosis.
What’s the difference between NHS and private assessments?
Private assessments offer faster access, more detailed reporting, and greater flexibility. NHS routes may involve long waiting times.
Can girls be assessed for ADHD?
Absolutely. ADHD often presents differently in girls and is frequently underdiagnosed.
Will my child need medication?
Not necessarily. Medication is only one possible option and is never the starting point. Many children benefit from behavioural strategies and school-based support.