CHILD ADHD Assessments in the UK

ADHD assessments for children and young people

 

The Therapy Company provides ADHD assessments for children and young people across the UK. Online appointments may be available where clinically appropriate, with face-to-face appointments available from our Preston location.

 

Parents may seek an assessment when difficulties with attention, impulsivity, emotional regulation, organisation, learning or relationships are affecting everyday life at home or school. Our team works with children, young people, parents and, where appropriate, schools to build a fuller picture of the difficulties being experienced.

 

The assessment is designed to establish whether the diagnostic criteria for ADHD are met and to provide clear feedback and appropriate recommendations.

Child completing an activity with a mental health professional during an ADHD assessment

CHILD ADHD ASSESSMENT: £1,000

Where an ADHD diagnosis is made, medication may be discussed and initiated where clinically appropriate.

 

Payment in 3 instalments is available through Paypal.

Appointments are currently 7 to 10 working days.

 

All appointments are with highly experienced, GMC-registered Consultant Psychiatrists.

Assessments are carried out in line with NICE guidance for ADHD diagnosis and management.

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MEET THE TEAM

ADHD ASSESSMENT FOR CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS

We assess children and young people, with the assessment process adapted according to age, developmental stage and individual circumstances.

 

The team can explain the appropriate assessment pathway and what information may be needed from parents, carers, school or other professionals.

 

We also offer dedicated support for adults, with a separate adult ADHD assessment service.

SIGNS OF ADHD IN CHILDREN

Parents may begin considering an ADHD assessment after noticing persistent patterns in their child’s behaviour at home, at school or in other settings. Common signs of ADHD in children 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, an ADHD assessment can help explore whether ADHD may be contributing to these difficulties and what support may be appropriate. Teachers or SENCOs may also raise concerns where attention, impulsivity or behavioural patterns are affecting classroom learning.

SAFEGUARDING, WELLBEING AND CLINICAL STANDARDS

Safeguarding is central to everything we do. Child ADHD assessments are carried out by appropriately qualified clinicians as part of a structured clinical assessment process. We follow strict clinical protocols and ethical guidelines, ensuring:

 

  • Confidentiality and child protection

  • Age-appropriate communication

  • Supportive and non-judgemental approach

  • Clear parental involvement

 

You can learn more about our clinicians and their experience on our meet the team page.

WHAT DOES A CHILD ADHD ASSESSMENT INVOLVE?

A private ADHD assessment for children and young people involves:

1 - Initial Consultation

We start by speaking with parents or carers to understand concerns, background, and development history.

2 - Clinical Assessment

Your child or teenager meets with a qualified clinician specialising in ADHD. This may involve structured interviews, observation, and evidence-based assessment tools.

3 - School Input

Where appropriate, we gather feedback from teachers or SENCOs to understand behaviour and learning in the classroom.

4 - Assessment Findings

You’ll receive clear feedback on the assessment findings, including whether the diagnostic criteria for ADHD are met, together with appropriate recommendations.

5 - Report and Next Steps

A detailed written report is provided, which can support communication with GPs, schools and other professionals where appropriate.

 

In some cases, children being assessed for ADHD may also show signs of autism and parents may wish to explore both. If you’re weighing up your options, our article on how to choose the right specialist for your child explains complex conditions, the assessment process, medication when appropriate, and how The Therapy Company supports with communication between therapists, schools, and your GP.

HOW ADHD IS DIAGNOSED IN CHILDREN

ADHD assessments are carried out using recognised clinical guidance and diagnostic criteria. Our clinicians follow established diagnostic frameworks including:

 

DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

 

NICE guidelines used across the UK healthcare system

 

Diagnosis involves gathering information from several sources, including parents, teachers and clinical observation. This helps the clinician build a balanced clinical picture of the 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.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE ASSESSMENT

Following the assessment, the clinician will explain the findings and whether the diagnostic criteria for ADHD are met. Appropriate recommendations and next steps can then be discussed with the family.

 

Where ADHD is diagnosed, this may include discussion of behavioural strategies, therapy, support at school, medication where clinically appropriate, or communication with the child’s GP.

 

We also offer ongoing therapy and emotional wellbeing support for children and young people.

APPOINTMENT AVAILABILITY

The Therapy Company provides an independent route to child ADHD assessment. Appointment availability can change, so please contact the team for current timescales and information about the assessment process.

ASK ABOUT A CHILD ADHD ASSESSMENT

WORKING WITH SCHOOLS AND OTHER PROFESSIONALS

Where appropriate, information from a child’s school can contribute to the assessment process. This may include feedback from teachers or SENCOs about attention, behaviour, learning and day-to-day functioning in the school environment.

 

Following an assessment, the clinical report may also help parents communicate the findings and recommendations with the school, GP or other professionals involved in the child’s support.

Client Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

I would like to thank the secretaries Sheila and Chris for providing a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Also, in my opinion, Dr PT Saleem is the best psychiatrist. I have ever had the pleasure to meet.

- Mariama Camara

I have suffered with PTSD flashbacks anxiety and panic attacks since a horrific road traffic accident 3 yrs ago. My life is now on the up thanks to Debbie’s help guidance and EMDR. I can’t thank this place enough for her care compassion and understanding

- Claire Lawrence-Gray

I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to everyone at the therapy co. For the past couple of months I’ve been looked after by Kate. She has been professional, welcoming, calming and extremely helpful. I feel I’ve come a long way in a short time. Also the receptionist have been very helpful and I would high recommended this practice to anyone

- Tony Currie

I am very happy and thankful for Dr Ahmed for seeing my daughter and making her feel so comfortable when talking about difficulties she is experiencing. He was really professional and knowledgeable about childhood neurological disorders and he was personally very likeable. I would definitely recommend seeing Dr Ahmed and I will go back in the future if we need to!

- Donna Cosgrove

I have had only positive experiences with The Therapy Company. The staff are exceptional at what they do, incredibly caring and personable with a wealth of knowledge and skills to help individuals dealing with emotional/mental difficulties or difficult times. They respond quickly, and ensure you are seen to as soon as possible. I regularly recommend them to people seeking support and would contact them in the first instance should I ever need support in the future.

- Emma Clancy

Excellent therapist and therapy sessions. I found the flexible times for appointments and via phone or video very helpful. Was able to work through what I needed in a reasonable time with a caring therapist. Thank you!

- Kristina Babbitt

Nicole gave me the confidence to get back on the motorway and enjoy driving again.

- Lillie-mae Martin

The Therapy Company are an efficient, client centred company who have been so helpful to our family in terms of therapy provision. The staff are friendly and approachable and they offer a range of services in a very timely manner.

- Helen Evans

My son met with Dr Ram, and I couldn’t be more grateful for her down to earth approach. She was incredibly empathetic and caring. At our initial meeting she put my son at ease immediately and really took the stress out of a very stressful situation. Her warm approach and great sense of humour makes a significant difference in our experience. I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking compassionate and knowledgeable psychiatric care.

- Patient mother

Wonderful and caring!

- Avril Willis

ASK ABOUT A CHILD ADHD ASSESSMENT

Not sure whether an ADHD assessment is the right next step for your child? Send a short message and the team can guide you towards the most suitable option.

If you'd prefer to speak to someone, you can also call us on 01772 440321.

FAQs

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 and young people can be assessed for ADHD where an assessment is clinically appropriate. The team can explain the appropriate pathway based on the child’s age, developmental stage and individual circumstances.

Our clinical reports can be shared with schools, SENCOs, GPs and other professionals where appropriate. How the report is used will depend on the organisation and the support being considered.

Where appropriate, yes. School feedback often plays a valuable role in understanding classroom behaviour and learning needs.

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.

The Therapy Company provides an independent assessment route outside NHS services. The assessment follows a structured clinical process, and the team can explain current availability, fees and what the assessment involves before you decide whether to proceed.

Yes. ADHD can affect children of any gender. The way difficulties present can vary between individuals, which is why assessment considers the child’s wider developmental, educational and clinical picture rather than relying on one particular symptom pattern.

Not necessarily. Medication is one possible treatment option and may be considered where clinically appropriate. Many children may also benefit from behavioural strategies, school-based support or other forms of intervention.

Yes. Where appropriate, information from teachers, SENCOs or school staff can help build a clearer picture of how a child’s behaviour, learning and attention may present in different settings.

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