ADHD Assessments & How They Work
At Atypically, we help parents across the UK find trusted, professional ADHD and autism assessments. One of the most common questions we hear from parents is, “What actually happens during an ADHD assessment?” Whether you’re pursuing a private assessment or exploring NHS options, understanding the process as well as you possibly can will help you to feel more confident and prepared for what is about to happen. This article explains exactly how ADHD assessments work, who carries them out, what to expect at each stage of the process, and how to get the most accurate and helpful outcome for your child or yourself.
An ADHD assessment provides clarity and understanding. For children, it can lead to better support at school and access to Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision. This makes a meaningful difference to a child's experience of their schooling and childhood in general. A thorough assessment ensures the diagnosis is accurate and that other possible causes of symptoms—like anxiety, autism, or learning differences—are also considered.
Because ADHD symptoms can overlap with other conditions, professional assessment by a qualified clinician is essential. At Atypically, we connect families with accredited specialists across the UK who follow evidence-based diagnostic standards.
In the UK, ADHD assessments are typically conducted by:
- Psychiatrists – medical doctors specialising in mental health, who can diagnose and prescribe medication.
- Clinical Psychologists – professionals trained in assessment and therapy, focusing on behavioural and emotional aspects.
- Paediatricians – doctors who assess and treat children’s developmental and behavioural concerns.
All ADHD assessments—whether through the NHS or privately—should follow the criteria outlined in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) or ICD-11 (International Classification of Diseases). The process involves multiple steps to ensure accuracy.
The first step is recognising that there may be signs of ADHD. You can check this if you are not sure by using our free ADHD and Autism screening tool. Parents may notice difficulties with focus, impulsivity, or hyperactivity at home or school. Teachers might report that a child struggles to concentrate or complete tasks. Adults might notice ongoing issues with organisation or time management.
For families choosing to go private, Atypically can connect you directly with a qualified clinician for assessment once you complete our Booking Form.
Once you’ve booked an ADHD assessment, you’ll be asked to complete a set of pre-assessment forms. These questionnaires help the clinician understand background information, medical history, and observed symptoms. For children, teachers or school staff are often asked to complete similar forms to provide additional perspectives.
Common screening tools include:
- Conners Rating Scales – measure inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
- Vanderbilt Assessment Scales – assess ADHD symptoms and their impact on behaviour.
- Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) – screens for emotional and behavioural difficulties.
These tools are not diagnostic on their own but provide valuable insight to support the clinical evaluation.
The clinical interview is the cornerstone of an ADHD assessment. It is usually carried out by a psychiatrist, psychologist, or paediatrician and can take between one and three hours, depending on the complexity of the case.
During the interview, the clinician will explore:
- Early development and childhood behaviour.
- School history and academic performance.
- Family background and health history.
- Social relationships and emotional wellbeing.
- Current symptoms and how they affect daily life.
For young children, parents are encouraged to share examples of their child’s behaviour in different settings, such as at home, at school, or during social interactions.
In some cases, the clinician may carry out or request additional assessments to better understand the child’s profile. These may include cognitive or educational tests to assess attention, memory, and executive functioning. For children, observational assessments in school settings may also be recommended.
The goal is to ensure that the diagnosis is accurate and that co-occurring conditions—such as autism, dyslexia, anxiety, or oppositional defiant disorder—are identified as early as possible if they are present.
Once all information has been gathered, the clinician will prepare a diagnostic report. This detailed document outlines the findings, confirms whether the criteria for ADHD are met, and includes recommendations for treatment and support.
A comprehensive report typically covers:
- Assessment methods used.
- Summary of background information and developmental history.
- Analysis of symptoms and their impact.
- Diagnostic conclusion.
- Recommendations for next steps.
If ADHD is diagnosed, the report can be shared with your GP, school, or employer to help implement support strategies. All the assessors that we work with at Atypically provide reports that are accepted by the NHS and Schools.
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis is just the beginning and should be seen as a very positive first step. After the assessment, the clinician will discuss options for managing symptoms and improving daily functioning. Treatment and support may include:
- Medication – prescribed by a psychiatrist or paediatrician if appropriate. Common options include stimulants such as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine.
- Behavioural therapy or coaching – helps with organisation, time management, and emotional regulation.
- Parent training programmes – support parents in understanding and managing their child’s needs.
- Educational accommodations – schools can make adjustments under SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) guidance, such as extra time in exams or structured routines.
For examples of the types of charities that can help, please check out our Useful Links page.
Preparation helps you make the most of your assessment appointment. Before attending, gather relevant documents such as school reports, medical history, or previous assessments. Make notes about key challenges, examples of symptoms, and questions you’d like to ask.
For children, ask teachers for written feedback or examples of how ADHD symptoms show up in class.
During the appointment, be open and honest about your experiences. ADHD affects everyone differently, and a clear picture helps the clinician make the most accurate diagnosis possible.
Once the assessment is complete and the report is finalised, families often ask what to do next. If the diagnosis is confirmed, your clinician will discuss treatment options and how to access ongoing care. For medication, private psychiatrists can initiate prescriptions, and shared-care arrangements can often be established with your GP for continued support.
For children, you can share the report with your child’s school or local authority to request additional support through SEN or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). You may also want to explore disability benefits such as Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) depending on your child’s needs.
An ADHD assessment is the first step toward understanding, support, and positive change. Whether you choose an NHS or private route, the process provides valuable insight into how ADHD affects daily life and what can be done to help. From the initial questionnaires to the final diagnostic report, every stage is designed to give clarity and direction. At Atypically, we’re committed to helping families across the UK access trusted ADHD assessments quickly and confidently—because the right diagnosis can open doors to the tools, resources, and strategies that make a lasting difference.
Written by Ben Friedman, Founder of Atypically.
Ben has years of first hand experience as a father of an autistic son and a SEND advocate. All content is thoroughly researched to help parents to be as informed as possible when navigating private assessments and meaningful interventions for their neurodiverse children. Ben also holds a CPD Accredited Certification in the Treatment and Management of Additional Needs Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders.
With NHS waiting lists now taking up to 2 years in some areas for a final diagnosis, now is the time to get your child the help they need. By going private, you can cut the waiting time down to a few weeks instead and it it doesn't cost as much as you might think!
Private autism or ADHD assessments typically take 2 to 12 weeks from initial enquiry to diagnosis. These assessments are conducted by qualified professionals and follow the same diagnostic criteria used by the NHS.
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