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1,350
£
Clear answers, compassionate clinicians and practical next steps for children and young people aged 7 and above.
Child ADHD Assessment (7 years +)
If your child finds it hard to sit still, concentrate at school or manage their impulses, you may be wondering whether ADHD is the reason. A child ADHD assessment gives you clear answers: a formal diagnosis where appropriate, a full written report and practical recommendations for home and school life.
At The Autism Pathway, our private child ADHD assessment service is delivered by highly experienced clinicians. We use validated diagnostic tools, take time to listen and ensure your and your child’s voice is heard.
There are no waiting lists and our online appointments mean that we can offer the assessment nationwide.
We offer:
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Child ADHD assessments for children and young people aged 7+
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Screening, questionnaires, clinical interview, school information and feedback all included
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Detailed report with recommendations for school, EHCPs and support services
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Online appointments
What is ADHD in Children?
ADHD is a developmental difference that affects how a person processes information due to differences in how they focus, maintain attention and organise their thoughts. People with ADHD often have unique strengths and challenges. The challenges are usually associated with environments and situations that are not suited to meet their unique needs.
ADHD can be considered a type of neurodiversity. Neurodiversity is a concept that recognises neurological differences, such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and others, as natural variations of the human brain rather than 'conditions' that need to be 'fixed.' This perspective values the diverse ways people think and process information.
When we consider ADHD and neurodiversity together, it suggests that experiencing ADHD is a way of being and is not inherently defective or disordered. This approach encourages acceptance, inclusion, and support. This is something The Autism Pathway is passionate about.
ADHD is characterised by a range of traits that can vary from person to person but generally fall into two main categories: inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
People with ADHD may show predominantly inattentive traits, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive traits, or a combination of both (combined presentation). It’s important to remember that ADHD exists on a spectrum, and not all traits are present in every individual.
Core features of ADHD
Inattentive Traits:
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Differences in sustaining attention, with a great focus on passions (hyperfocus) and less focus on other tasks and information
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Struggling to multitask and start new projects
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Unintentionally making mistakes or overlooking details
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Trouble organising tasks and activities
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Becoming easily distracted by unrelated stimuli
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Finding it difficult to remember things in daily activities
Hyperactive/Impulsive Traits:
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Finding quiet environments challenging due to the need for movement and speech
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Feeling restless or constantly "on the go" and enjoying movement and activity
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Ethusiasm about sharing information, which can lead to interrupting others or shouting out
Other Common Traits:
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Strong emotional reactions
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Low confidence and self-esteem
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Sleep difficulties
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Finding it hard to estimate or manage time
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Benefitting from help to plan, prioritise, and make decisions
The Autism Pathway recognises an individual's strengths as well as differences and challenges.
Is a Private Child ADHD Assessment Right for My Child?
It is completely normal to feel unsure. Many parents come to us after months, sometimes years, of wondering.
An assessment may be worth considering if your child's differences are frequent, appear in more than one setting and are affecting their learning, friendships, confidence or family life.
Because our clinicians look at the whole picture, they will also explore whether anxiety, autism or other needs better explain what you are seeing and can make recommendations for future referrals based on this. Some children have more than one of these,
which is why we also offer a combined child autism & ADHD assessment if you feel it would be beneficial.
Understanding ADHD Assessment for Children in the UK
What Happens in a Child ADHD Assessment?
(Please note our child ADHD assessments are for those aged 7+)
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1. Screening Information
The first step of our assessment process is to complete some screening information so that we can find out more about your child and determine together if an assessment is the right next step. It's also an opportunity for you to ask more about our assessments and let us know of any needs or preferences your child may have. This can be done by telephone or via a form.
2. Questionnaires
We will ask you and your child to complete some Questionnaires online. These will help us to find out more about your child's early development, educational history, mental and physical well-being, and areas of strength and need.
3. Parental/Informant and Child Interview
A clinical interview will be arranged at a convenient time and day. This will be done online.
During this interview, a trained clinician may ask you further questions about the questionnaires and information you have already submitted. The clinician will also ask you and your child questions that specifically relate to ADHD using a Diagnostic Interview for ADHD (Young-DIVA-5). They will also observe how your child presents during the interview, as well as ask questions. This appointment lasts two hours and takes place online.
4. QBCheck (if indicated)
The QBCheck is a reliable and validated computer-based test which measures and assesses different aspects of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. It is completed by your child. It is administered remotely in your own home using your computer’s web browser and takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. We will send you detailed instructions and a voucher code to remotely access the QbCheck test. We will only ask your child to complete a QBCheck if we feel it is required. There is no additional cost if this happens.
5. Liaison with School
With your permission, we will ask your child's school to complete some questionnaires about their presentation in school.
6. Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Meeting
Once all the assessments are complete, the assessing clinician will review all the information gathered. The information will be considered alongside the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria to conclude. At this stage, we may request additional information from you, your child, or their school/college to help formulate an outcome.
7. Outcome & Feedback
You will receive a copy of the full report to read at your own pace. We will then arrange an online feedback meeting with a clinician you met previously to review the findings and discuss the recommendations for the 'next steps'.
Why Choose The Autism Pathway?
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No long waiting lists. We move quickly, so your child is not left waiting years for answers.
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HCPC-registered clinicians. Experienced professionals who specialise in neurodevelopmental assessments.
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Multi-clinical team. Every outcome is reviewed by more than one clinician.
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Neuro-affirmative, strengths-based approach. We see your child, not just a set of traits.
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Clear, detailed reports. Written to be genuinely useful for schools, EHCPs and support services.
Whether you have already decided on a private ADHD assessment for your child, or you are still working out whether now is the right time, our team is happy to talk it through with you first. There is no pressure, just clear guidance.
Supporting Your Child and You After Their Assessment
A diagnosis is not the end of the neuro-affirmative journey; it is the start to access better support.
Your child's report will include practical recommendations that can help to open conversations with school, apply for an EHCP, or simply
understand your child better.
Take the First Step Today
Speak to Our Friendly Team About Child ADHD Assessment
If you think a child ADHD assessment could help your family, we would love to hear from you.
We provide a child ADHD assessment that UK families can rely on,
with online appointments throughout the week.
Contact our friendly team for an informal chat, or enquire online, and we will get back to you promptly to arrange an appointment for a time that suits you.
Child ADHD Assessment FAQs
What happens in an ADHD assessment for a child in the UK?
A child ADHD assessment usually begins with screening information and questionnaires about your child’s development, education, wellbeing and current needs. This is followed by a clinical interview with you and your child and liaison with their school.
Once the assessment is complete, our team reviews the information against the relevant diagnostic criteria. You will then receive a detailed written report and attend an online feedback appointment to discuss the findings and recommended next steps.
How much does a private child ADHD assessment cost?
Our private child ADHD assessment costs £1,350. This includes the screening process, questionnaires, clinical interview, liaison with your child’s school, team review, written report and feedback appointment.
What age can a child have an ADHD assessment?
The Autism Pathway provides ADHD assessments for children and young people aged seven and above. If you are unsure whether an assessment is appropriate for your child’s age or circumstances, our team can discuss their needs with you before you book.
Can an ADHD assessment for children be completed online?
Yes, Clinical interviews can be completed online.
Our team will explain how each stage works and take the time to ensure you feel comfortable about the next steps.
Why does the child ADHD assessment involve their school?
ADHD traits usually need to be considered across more than one setting. With your permission, we will ask your child’s school to complete questionnaires about their attention, activity levels, impulsivity, learning and presentation in the classroom.
This helps our clinicians build a more complete picture of your child’s experiences at home and at school.
Can a private child ADHD assessment support an EHCP application?
Following the assessment, you will receive a detailed report containing the findings and practical recommendations for supporting your child. This can help you speak with their school, explore appropriate adjustments and provide useful evidence when applying for an Education, Health and Care Plan.
An assessment does not guarantee that an EHCP will be issued, as applications are considered separately by the relevant local authority.
What if my child’s differences could be related to autism or anxiety?
ADHD can share some characteristics with autism, anxiety and other developmental or emotional needs.
Where appropriate, we may discuss whether a combined child autism and ADHD assessment would provide a clearer understanding of your child’s needs.