Children FAQs

What might indicate my child has ADHD?

Several signs could suggest ADHD in a child. Struggling in school with learning, failing educationally, difficulty concentrating, recklessness, and constant fidgeting are common indicators. These behaviours may warrant further evaluation by a consultant to determine if ADHD could be a contributing factor.

Who will complete my child's ADHD assessment?

All our assessments of anyone under the age of 18 are conducted by a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. This ensures your child will receive a diagnosis which is considered conclusive as it is such a comprehensive and thorough assessment.

What documents will you need me to provide?

You will need to provide copies of your child’s school reports.  Any previous medical reports, or letters relating to any mental health issues or services.  Questionnaires completed by you as the parent and your child’s teacher.  (The questionnaires are sent to you with the appointment confirmation).

If you are unable to provide the above, your child may need to undertake a QbCheck.

What is the youngest age that a child can be to have an ADHD assessment?

6 years old ideally but a Consultant may be able to assess a child of 5 years old.

How long is an initial assessment appointment and what does it involve?

An initial assessment appointment will last approximately 2 hours and will include a detailed developmental history, a mental state assessment and completion of diagnostic questionnaires.  A parent or guardian will need to be available to provide a detailed developmental history.

Additional time may be required to allow for a QbTest (If you have no one to provide collateral information or are unable to provide school reports, you will be required to undertake a QbTest.)

Does a parent or guardian have to attend the appointment if their child is being assessed?

Yes.  A parent or guardian will need to be available to provide a detailed developmental history.

Can I stay with my child during the assessment?

Generally, speaking the consultant needs 15 minutes alone with the child for a mental state exam (as well as for the QbTest/Check if one is booked)

Exceptional circumstances, like very young or very anxious children, may prompt flexibility once the consultant has assessed the situation.

Will I get a report after the assessment and will it be accepted by the NHS?

Yes, a report will be provided usually a maximum of 2 weeks after the assessment.

Yes, it should be accepted by the NHS, especially as our assessments are so thorough, and our consultants have undertaken multiple ADHD assessments when employed by the NHS.

Would the consultant communicate with the school?

We will only provide a copy of the final report to your child’s school if you have requested us to do so.  If you require an additional letter, or call to the school, this will incur an additional cost.

Is the assessment the only cost?

Further cost will be incurred if your chlid has ADHD and you choose to proceed with medication and/or treatment.  Click here to see  details of predicted costs for the duration of treatment.

Do your Consultants offer remote assessments?

An ADHD assessment of a child needs to take place in person.

What is the difference between a Psychiatrist and Psychologist?

A Psychiatrist is a medically trained doctor who has specialised and qualified in psychiatry. Psychiatrists are able to prescribe medication and can assess both the mental and physical effects of a disorder.

Psychiatry itself is the study of mental health problems and their diagnosis, management and prevention.

A psychologist specialises in the study of behaviours and mental processes. This includes emotional and cognitive processes, how people interact with their environments, and how they interact with other people.

A psychologist diagnoses and treats mental disorders, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. They may provide treatment for chronic problems or acute problems, and they can do so in an individual, family, or group setting. The most common type of treatment used by psychologists is psychotherapy, or talk therapy.