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Our approach to ADHD assessments
We use a combination of parent and school reports, clinical observation and interviews to assess the severity of ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents.
The ADHD Rating Scale (ADHD-RS) is a report on the child’s behaviour covering the last 6 months. Usually, parents or carers, and teachers, will complete this report before an appointment. We are also able to use historical school reports or learning disorder reports to evaluate any difficulties.
NICE guidelines do not require CUBI tests for diagnosis (only some providers use it). FDA-approved. At the London Psychiatry Clinic, we don't do CUBI tests routinely.
Other reports that we use:
- Swanson, Nolan and Pelham Teacher and Parent Rating Scale (SNAP-IV)
- Conners Comprehensive Behaviour Rating Scale
- Diagnostic Interview for ADHD (DIVA-5)
- Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ)
Older children and adolescents may wish to complete some of these questionnaires themselves, so they can also give personal insight into any symptoms they struggle with.
Before your child’s assessment, we encourage you to discuss what to expect with your child. We understand it can be scary for them being one to one with a doctor, but our goal is to make them feel as comfortable as possible.
How is ADHD assessed in teenagers?
ADHD is assessed in teenagers in much the same way as in younger children, with more weight given to the young person's own account. Adolescents complete their own rating scales alongside the parent and school reports, and can have consultations on their own with the clinician if they prefer to as well.
ADHD often becomes harder to miss in the teenage years, not because it has appeared, but because the demands have grown. Coursework, exams and managing time independently place pressure on exactly the skills ADHD affects. Some teenagers have masked their difficulties for years, and that effort can show up as exhaustion, anxiety or school avoidance rather than as obvious inattention.
If your teenager has been struggling at school, our assessment looks at the whole picture, including any anxiety or low mood that may be sitting alongside the ADHD.
Hyperlink "school avoidance" to the school anxiety blog post. If the sentence about masking does not match the clinic's view, soften it further.
What else do we assess alongside ADHD?
We also include assessment for other comorbid conditions that might be complicating a diagnosis of ADHD or worsening symptoms. For example, we can easily assess the presence of other common co-occuring conditions, such as anxiety, depression, autism, or behavioural problems (such as oppositional defiant disorder).
Similarly, physical health conditions such as sleep problems, gastrointestinal issues, metabolic issues or vitamin deficiencies, immune problems (asthma or allergies) can also complicate ADHD symptoms. We can incorporate a physical examination and liaise with relevant specialists if needed.
If your child is struggling with learning or cognitive difficulties, we can also offer a cognitive assessment to determine their level of functioning. If you wish, we can contact your child’s school to work together with their teachers to ensure they receive the right style of education.
If you believe you may have ADHD too, we also offer a free ADHD test for adults which only takes 3 minutes. If you score high on the test, scientific research indicates there is a significant likelihood you have ADHD. While a high score isn't the same as a diagnosis, it does mean seeing a specialist for an ADHD assessment could be a good next step.
What treatment follows an ADHD diagnosis?
Once ADHD is diagnosed, as well as any other potential disorders or conditions, we will develop a personalised treatment plan specifically for your child. We will develop this with your input, based on your child’s needs and unique circumstances. The treatment will include an integrated approach so that your child can achieve their full potential, both academically and socially.
The treatment plan could include:
- Information and support to better understand and cope (psychoeducation)
- Personal development and self-improvement
- Psychological therapy (talking therapy), such as interpersonal therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, play therapy, or social skills therapy
- Tailored learning techniques and a behavioural learning approach with the school, when appropriate
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
- Mind-body centre exercise to increase the relaxation response
- Empower parents through positive parenting techniques
- Family therapy
- Promote a healthy lifestyle through exercise, diet and micronutrients
- Sleep therapy
- State-of-the-art medication, when appropriate
Our team has published extensively in ADHD research.
Private child ADHD assessment: your questions answered
How do I get a private ADHD assessment for my child?
You can book directly, and no GP referral is needed. We send you and your child's school a set of questionnaires to complete beforehand, then arrange the assessment with a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist, at Harley Street or online.
Is a private ADHD diagnosis recognised by the NHS?
A diagnosis made by a suitably qualified specialist is a valid clinical diagnosis. Whether your NHS GP will then prescribe and monitor ADHD medication under a shared care agreement is decided locally by your Integrated Care Board and is at your GP's discretion, so it is worth asking them before you begin.
At what age can a child be assessed for ADHD?
We assess children and young people from the age of six. Below that age, ADHD traits are harder to separate reliably from ordinary variation in development, and NICE advises caution about diagnosis in the pre-school years.
Can my child's ADHD assessment be done online?
Yes. The assessment can be carried out by secure video, with the same consultant and the same report. Some families prefer an in-person appointment at Harley Street, particularly for younger children. Full fees for every service, including follow-up appointments, are listed on our fees and booking page.
