Please note that from April 2023 our capacity to offer ADHD assessments for young people age 5-18 years old will be reduced due to members of our team taking planned leave from work. As such we will only be offering assessment for possible ADHD in the context of dual assessments for possible autism and ADHD until at least the summer of 2023.
We apologise for any disappointment this may cause.
Do please continue to contact us with any questions you may have and we will do our best to help
ADHD Assessment Process
Please note that the process may vary slightly depending on the individual needs of children and young people.
Stage 1: After you have contacted us we will provide you with information about our service and offer you a time to meet to complete a screening consultation appointment. This is to ensure there is sufficient evidence of ADHD traits to warrant pursuing a full assessment. The consultation appointment will include completing some questionnaires, attending an appointment with a member of the team and obtaining written information from the young person’s educational provider.
There are many reasons why a young person may present with traits of ADHD and, in addition to possible neurodiversity, we typically explore alternative possible explanations including evidence of specific learning difficulties, other neurodevelopmental conditions e.g. autism, mental health struggles or experience of adversity or trauma.
Stage 2: The exact nature of an ADHD assessment will depend on the age and circumstance of the individual. Each assessment typically includes a detailed clinical interview with a parent, which can usually be done remotely, as well as an opportunity to observe the young person. In some instances further assessments may also be indicated but, as much as possible, we will discuss this with you at the point of initial consultation if we feel it may be likely.
Stage 3: The clinicians involved in the assessment will meet to review the collected information which is then compared against diagnostic criteria for ADHD to decide if a diagnosis is indicated.
Stage 4: A member of the assessment team will meet with you to discuss the outcome of the assessment and recommendations for further support. You will receive a short summary report detailing the components of the assessment and its conclusion with the full diagnostic report and recommendations following in due course. As much as possible we try to ensure that families receive their diagnostic report within two weeks of a feedback appointment.
Diagnostic criteria
ChATS use the DSM-5 criteria when diagnosing Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. The diagnostic criteria are available to view via the American Psychiatric Association. The DSM-5 has chosen, based on the most current research evidence, to use an overarching diagnosis of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder to replace previous diagnoses of Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Child Assessment and Treatment Service (ChATS) 