Getting a private ADHD assessment: what happens and what to expect

Private ADHD assessments for children and young people in the UK have increased substantially in recent years. NHS waiting times for ADHD assessment frequently exceed one to two years in many areas, and some families face waits of three years or more. For parents watching their child struggle at school, at home, and socially, a private assessment offers a faster route to understanding and treatment.

What ADHD is and how it presents in children

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by difficulties with attention, impulse control, and in many cases hyperactivity. It is not, despite persistent misconceptions, a problem of intelligence, willpower, or parenting. It is a condition with a clear neurological basis, a strong genetic component, and effective treatments. In children, ADHD presents across a spectrum. The hyperactive-impulsive presentation is most visible and most commonly identified in younger boys: inability to sit still, impulsivity, calling out in class, risk-taking. The inattentive presentation is less visible and more commonly identified late, particularly in girls: losing things, failing to finish tasks, difficulty following multi-step instructions, daydreaming, and inconsistent performance across subjects. Many children have a combined presentation with features of both.

What a good ADHD assessment involves

A thorough ADHD assessment for a child should include several components. A detailed developmental and clinical history is gathered from parents or carers, covering birth, development, early childhood behaviour, school history, relationships, and the specific concerns that prompted the referral. Standardised questionnaires completed by parents and teachers are a core component. These include rating scales such as the Conners or SNAP-IV that quantify ADHD symptom frequency and severity across different environments. School information is essential: ADHD by definition impacts functioning across settings, so presentation at home alone is not sufficient for diagnosis. Direct assessment of the child includes a structured clinical interview, observation of behaviour, and in many cases cognitive testing to establish the child's ability profile and identify any specific learning difficulties that may co-occur.

Who should conduct the assessment

An ADHD assessment for a child should be conducted by, or directly supervised by, a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist (GMC-registered) or a consultant psychologist (HCPC-registered) with specialist expertise in neurodevelopmental conditions. Be cautious of services that use non-consultant clinicians as the sole assessors, or that do not include school-based information in the process. Both of these are red flags for an assessment that will not meet the standard expected by GPs and NHS services.

What the report should contain

At the end of the assessment, you should receive a written report. A thorough report should include the diagnostic formulation, a description of ADHD features and how they present in this particular child, any co-occurring conditions or learning difficulties identified, and clear recommendations for school support (including whether an Education, Health and Care Plan should be applied for), therapeutic intervention, and medication where appropriate.

Medication after a private diagnosis

If medication is recommended following a private diagnosis, the prescribing arrangements need to be clear from the outset. Most private providers can initiate medication and then request that the GP takes over prescribing under a shared care agreement. Not all GPs will accept shared care arrangements, so it is worth checking with your GP before assuming this will be straightforward. A reputable private provider will be familiar with this issue and able to advise you on the process in your area.

A diagnosis does not change your child. It provides an explanation for difficulties that may have been confusing, frustrating, or damaging to their self-esteem. It creates access to reasonable adjustments at school, and it opens the door to treatments that are highly effective. For children with ADHD, the combination of appropriate medication and structured support produces meaningful improvements in attention, impulse control, academic performance, and family relationships. If you would like to know whether a Blip ADHD assessment is the right step for your child, you can begin an enquiry below.