ADHD Child & Adolescent Assessment UK

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What is a Child & Adolescent ADHD Assessment?

A young person in conversation with a mental health professional during an ADHD assessment session.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects around 1 in 20 children and young people in the UK — approximately 5% of the population. Many young people go through school and daily life feeling restless, unfocused, or overwhelmed, without realising that ADHD could be the reason behind these struggles.

BetterCare offers online ADHD assessments for children  (5+ years old), these are performed by our mental health nurses or psychiatrists.

While our child and adolescent services focus on early intervention and school-based strategies, older teens and adults may benefit from our Adult ADHD assessment services for a full evaluation and personalised care plan.

Our assessment explores ADHD symptoms, developmental, medical and family history, mental health background, and how symptoms impact learning, behaviour, and everyday functioning.

Each report includes a full ADHD diagnosis, if applicable, along with clear, personalised recommendations for ongoing care. Where appropriate, clients may be referred internally to our child & adolescent psychiatrist to review treatment options and coordinate care with their GP or specialist.

It is important to note that ADHD is a very treatable condition. With the right support and treatment, children and adolescents with ADHD can thrive, reach their potential, and lead happy, fulfilling lives.

During the assessment, the psychologist will talk with you and your child to find out more about any symptoms and about family life. They’ll also ask about your child’s development, such as how old they were when they learned to do things like walking or reading.

All reports are recognised by relevant UK bodies, including the NHS, local authorities, and education services.

What are common signs of ADHD in children and adolescents?

Symptoms of ADHD usually start before the age of 12. They involve a person’s ability to pay attention to things (being inattentive), having high energy levels (being hyperactive) and their ability to control their impulses (being impulsive).

A child or young person may show signs of being inattentive, such as:

  • being easily distracted
  • finding it hard to listen to what people are saying or to follow instructions
  • forgetting everyday tasks, like brushing their teeth or putting on socks
  • emotional dysregulation

They may show signs of being hyperactive and impulsive, including:

  • having high energy levels
  • fidgeting or tapping their hands and feet
  • talking noisily
  • feeling restless, or getting up and moving around when they’re supposed to sit still
  • finding it hard to wait their turn, or interrupting conversations

ADHD can cause a range of problems that can vary from child to child. The following are common among all children with ADHD:

  • They often seem to forget things almost instantly.
  • They fail to finish what they start or don’t do it at all.
  • They often seem to be driven like a motor; as a result they can be demanding in class and even behave dangerously when outside.
  • They may seem thoughtless, selfish and rude, so they are often unpopular with other children their age.
  • Initial Screening: One or both parents/guardians complete an initial intake questionnaire to outline the child’s symptoms, developmental history, and areas of concern. This allows our team to prepare for a more tailored assessment approach.
 
  • Comprehensive Clinical Interview: Conducted via a secure video session, this clinical interview involves both the child and their parents or guardians. It explores ADHD symptoms, school and social behaviour, family history, and how symptoms affect daily life.
 
  • Teacher/School Feedback: We request input from the child’s teachers using internationally recognised standardised rating scales and measures. This provides valuable information on the child’s behaviour and attention levels in the school setting, contributing to a well-rounded view of symptoms across different environments.
 
  • Standardised ADHD Testing: The assessment will include recognised ADHD rating scales, psychometric measures completed by the client (where possible) and, by parents or guardians to further evaluate ADHD symptoms and related concerns. These scientific measures and scales assess the symptom severity and identify other related issues that may impact the child’s functioning.
 
  • Information from the assessment is carefully gathered and analysed, with findings presented in a comprehensive clinical report. If an ADHD diagnosis is confirmed, we provide individualised recommendations to support the child or young person across home, school, and healthcare settings.

    Recommendations may include behavioural therapy, school-based support strategies (such as classroom accommodations coordinated with the school’s SENCO or through an EHCP where appropriate), family support interventions, or referral to a child and adolescent psychiatrist or NMP to review treatment options in coordination with the young person’s GP or specialist (additional fees may apply).

We offer flexible payment options designed to suit your budget and lifestyle — including a Book Now, Pay Later option with Klarna, so you don’t have to delay essential care.

For personalised payment options, please contact our office directly.

We accept most major UK health insurers, including Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and VitalityHealth.

Get started with BetterCare™

Check out our availability and book the date and time that works for you. 

Remote Online Option

Unsure of the service best suited to your needs? Contact us now to discuss your next steps on a Free 15 minute Booking Consultation.

Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive the relevant questionnaires by email. This helps us gather the initial data for your ADHD Assessment before proceeding to your clinical interview.

FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting an ADHD assessment for children or adolescents can seem daunting. Below are some frequently asked questions we receive which may be useful ahead of the first appointment.

Many people come to us directly, while others are referred by their GP.

For clients who may consider medication as part of their ADHD care, a referral from your GP is required. Your GP should provide relevant health information, including height, weight, BMI, heart rate, blood pressure, routine blood tests, and an ECG, to support a thorough assessment.

Online assessments for clients aged 5+ are just as accurate as in-person when conducted by experienced clinicians using validated tools. 

At BetterCare, our experienced team use both standard and supplementary online measures to ensure a thorough and reliable diagnosis.

No. Online assessments are not suitable for non-verbal clients of any age.

No — the assessment focuses on understanding your mental health and providing guidance on next steps in your treatment plan. If a diagnosis is confirmed, clients may be referred internally to our NMP or psychiatrist to review next steps in their treatment plan and coordinate care with their GP or specialist (additional fees may apply)

Assessments are investigative, they may confirm or rule out a condition. If ADHD criteria aren’t met, the clinician may indicate other possible causes and next steps with you. 

All assessments include a detailed report and personalised treatment plan based on the evidence presented. BetterCare is committed to finding the most suitable support for every client.

Absolutely. We offer free booking consultations to help you decide if an ADHD assessment is right for you or your child.

We know that cost should never be a barrier to care.

That’s why we offer flexible payment options designed to fit your budget and lifestyle — including a Book Now, Pay Later option with Klarna, so you don’t have to put off getting the support you need.

If you’d like a personalised payment option, simply get in touch with our team and we’ll be happy to arrange it for you.