ADHD assessments for children & young people
Family-focused ADHD assessments and support for children and young people, delivered remotely with clear communication for parents, carers and schools.
Who this service is for
ADHD can affect learning, behaviour, emotions and family life. Our children and young people’s ADHD service is designed for:
- Parents and carers concerned about their child’s focus, hyperactivity or impulsive behaviour
- Young people who are struggling with organisation, motivation or emotional regulation at school or college
- Families who feel unsure whether ADHD might explain long-standing difficulties
- Schools and GPs looking for a clear, structured assessment pathway
All assessments and follow-up appointments are delivered remotely, so children and families can access care from home.
What ADHD can look like in children & young people
Every child is different, but ADHD may show as:
- Difficulty staying seated or still for long periods
- Seeming not to listen or frequently losing track of instructions
- Forgetting belongings, homework or parts of the routine
- Rushing into situations without thinking about consequences
- Large emotional reactions to small triggers
- Finding it hard to get started on tasks, even when they want to do well
Some children are primarily inattentive, some are primarily hyperactive/impulsive, and others have a combination of both.
Behaviours can also look very different at home and school, which is why we gather information from more than one setting where possible.
A clear pathway for families
Your child’s journey through our ADHD pathway usually follows these stages:
1. Referral & initial screening
Parents or carers complete a short screening form that covers:
- Attention, activity and impulsive behaviours at home
- School concerns, if known
- Learning, sleep and emotional well-being
- Any previous assessments or diagnoses
This helps us confirm whether an ADHD assessment is likely to be helpful and whether we should also consider Autism or other needs.
2. Pre-assessment questionnaires & QbCheck
If an assessment is indicated, we send a secure pre-assessment pack. This may include:
- Parent/carer ADHD questionnaires
- Teacher or school questionnaires, where available
- A brief developmental and medical history
Where appropriate, we also arrange a QbCheck for your child or young person. This is a 30–40 minute, home-based task that provides objective information about attention, activity and impulsivity. It supports, but does not replace, the clinical assessment.
3. ADHD assessment appointment
The main ADHD assessment is carried out via secure video and usually includes:
- A structured parent/carer interview
- Age-appropriate interaction with your child or young person
- Review of school information and any previous reports
- Consideration of other factors such as anxiety, Autistic traits, learning differences or sleep difficulties
We use recognised diagnostic criteria and standardised tools as part of a full clinical assessment.
4. Diagnosis, feedback & written report
After the assessment, your clinician will:
- Explain whether your child meets the criteria for ADHD
- Discuss how ADHD presents for them (for example, predominantly inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or combined)
- Explore any overlapping needs or strengths
- Answer questions and agree on initial recommendations
You receive a written report that can be shared with your GP, school and other professionals. It includes practical suggestions for home and education settings.
Treatment, medication & monitoring
Where ADHD is diagnosed and medication is appropriate, we can support families through a structured treatment pathway. This typically includes:
- A titration phase, where medication type and dose are adjusted
- Regular review appointments to monitor benefits, side effects, sleep and physical health
- Careful consideration of school demands, exam periods and growth
Not all children and young people will need or choose medication. We will discuss options clearly so families can make informed decisions.
When medication is stable, we will usually approach your GP to explore a Shared Care arrangement so that ongoing prescribing and monitoring can take place locally, with MACC providing specialist input where agreed.
ADHD psychoeducation for children, teens & families
ADHD affects the whole family, so information and practical support are essential.
Following diagnosis, families are offered a short, structured psychoeducation programme tailored to age and needs. This may include:
- Helping children and young people understand ADHD in a strengths-based way
- Supporting parents and carers to respond consistently to behaviours
- Strategies for routines, homework, screen time and transitions
- Tools for emotional regulation and managing “big feelings”
Sessions are delivered in a supportive, collaborative format, with time for questions and real-life examples.
Working with schools & colleges
School and college are important parts of a young person’s life. As part of the ADHD pathway we can:
- Provide clear written reports and recommendation sections for education staff
- Offer guidance on reasonable adjustments, such as seating, breaks, instructions and organisation support
- Help families prepare for meetings with teachers and SENCOs
- Support planning around key transitions (for example moving to secondary school or college)
The aim is to support children and young people to access learning in a way that works for them.
How to access the CYP ADHD service
You can usually access our children and young people’s ADHD pathway in two main ways:
- NHS Right to Choose (where eligible and available) – for ADHD assessments funded by the NHS when referred by your GP in England
- Private assessment – for families seeking an ADHD assessment and support outside NHS referral routes
If you are unsure which route is right for you, you can start by completing our online enquiry form and our team will guide you.