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ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) affects focus, attention, organisation, impulse control, and sometimes activity levels.
A formal ADHD assessment can help you or your child understand why daily tasks feel difficult and access the right support at school, university, or in the workplace.
This guide explains who diagnoses ADHD, what the assessment involves, and how to choose a qualified psychiatrist or specialist.
Who Can Diagnose ADHD?
In the UK, ADHD must be diagnosed by a medical professional:
1. Psychiatrist
Fully qualified to diagnose and treat ADHD in:
children
teenagers
adults
Psychiatrists can:
Provide a full diagnostic evaluation
Prescribe medication
Identify co-occurring conditions (e.g., dyslexia, autism, anxiety)
Offer ongoing support and treatment
2. Paediatrician or Specialist ADHD Clinician
For children, paediatricians within the NHS or private clinics may also diagnose ADHD.
3. Clinical Psychologist
Some clinical psychologists can assess for ADHD, but only a psychiatrist can prescribe medication.
(If a psychologist is used, the GP typically requires a psychiatrist’s sign-off.)
Common Signs of ADHD
An ADHD assessment is recommended when a person shows persistent difficulties such as:
Inattention
Difficulty concentrating
Easily distracted
Forgetting instructions
Losing things regularly
Trouble finishing tasks
Struggling with organisation
Hyperactivity (more common in children)
Fidgeting
Constant movement
Restlessness
Difficulty sitting still
Impulsivity
Interrupting others
Acting without thinking
Difficulty waiting or taking turns
Emotional outbursts
Adults may also struggle with:
Time management
Starting or completing tasks
Planning and prioritising
Overspending or poor financial management
Workplace performance
What an ADHD Assessment Involves
A full ADHD assessment usually includes the following:
1. Clinical Interview
A detailed conversation covering:
Childhood development
School experiences
Behaviour patterns
Strengths and challenges
Daily life impact
2. Behavioural Questionnaires
Often completed by:
Parents
Teachers
Partners or close family members
The individual (if older child/adult)
Tools may include ADHD-specific rating scales.
3. Developmental History
The assessor reviews:
Early milestones
Behaviour at primary school
Any known learning difficulties
Past support or interventions
4. School / Workplace Evidence
Such as:
School reports
SENCO reports
Work reviews
Notes from previous assessments
5. Cognitive & Executive Function Screening
May include checks of:
Working memory
Processing speed
Attention
Executive functioning skills
6. Differential Diagnosis
The assessor rules out other conditions that may look similar, such as:
Anxiety
Autism
Dyslexia
Dysgraphia
Sleep difficulties
Trauma
7. Diagnostic Report
You will receive a comprehensive medical report that includes:
Confirmation of diagnosis (if appropriate)
Details of symptoms
Impact on daily life
Recommended treatment options
Strategies for school, home, or workplace
Medication plan (if needed)
This report is recognised by GPs, schools, universities (for DSA), and employers.
Medication & Treatment
If ADHD is diagnosed, a psychiatrist may recommend:
Medication
Behavioural strategies
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Coaching or executive function support
Environmental adjustments (home, school, workplace)
Medication can only be prescribed by a psychiatrist or prescribing nurse under NHS or private care.
Where ADHD Assessments Take Place
Assessments may be:
In person (clinic or hospital)
Online via video (increasingly common for adults)
In child development centres
Through private ADHD clinics
Choose an option that is comfortable and accessible.
How to Choose a Qualified ADHD Specialist
Make sure your assessor:
✔ Is GMC-registered
✔ Specialises in ADHD or neurodevelopmental conditions
✔ Has experience assessing your age group (child, teen, or adult)
✔ Provides a full written diagnostic report
✔ Offers follow-up support (especially if medication is prescribed)
✔ Is accepted by GPs, universities, and employers
NHS vs Private ADHD Assessments
NHS Assessment
Free
Long waiting lists (often 1–3 years)
Includes medication and follow-up
Usually via CAMHS, paediatrics, or adult ADHD clinics
Private Assessment
Faster (often within weeks)
Full medical diagnosis
Medication may be started privately
Some GPs will agree to shared-care agreements for ongoing prescriptions
Always check whether your GP accepts private ADHD reports.
Next Steps
If you are exploring assessments, here are related pages:
🔵 Dyslexia Assessments – Find an Educational Psychologist
🔵 Dyscalculia Assessments
🔵 Dysgraphia Assessments (OT & EP)
🔵 Online Dyslexia Screenings
Tests and Assessments for Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia can be carried out by an Educational Psychologist or a Specially Trained Tutor Assessor.
All the organisations below have lists of Psychologists to carry out testing.
BDA
The BDA can assess from age seven onwards to comply with the SASC guidelines (SpLD Assessment Standards Committee). This is the governing body for their specialist teacher assessors. I believe the BDA may have some assessors in Scotland.
BDA
Patoss
The Index lists Patoss members who wish to have their names shown to other professionals or parents seeking tutors, assessment or advice. They provide specialist teaching and carry out assessments – for teaching, exam access arrangements or Disabled Students’ Allowance. I believe Patoss may have some assessors in the Scotland area.
Patoss
Helen Arkell
At Helen Arkell, we offer a range of assessments for adults and children. An assessment will help someone understand their strengths and why they may be experiencing difficulties in their learning or day-to-day life.
Assessments | Helen Arkell
Wiltshire Psychology Service
The Wiltshire Psychology Service has successfully provided an Adult Psychology Service since 2006, providing assessment with a psychologist.
Wiltshire Psychology Service
EdPsych4Kids
Hannah Morris
Educational Psychologist
Hertfordshire
EdPsych4Kids
Educational & Screening Services
Dr Clare Boorne
Leicester
Educational & Screening Services
The Educational Psychologists
Didsbury
M20 2WU
The Educational Psychologists
Educational Psychologist
7 Wadeson Street
Bethnal Green
E2 9DR
Educational Psychologist
Educational Psychologist
CAYP Psychologists
Whitefield
Manchester
The Educational Psychologists Below also test for Dysgraphia
Aspire Ed Psychology
Brentwood
London
CF PSYCHOLOGY
Harley Street
London
Child Psychology London
Dr Stephanie Satariano
She completed a multi-faceted assessment to opine on dyslexia, dyspraxia and dysgraphia.
Greenwich
SE London.
Sima Patel
Brighton
PsychEd Ltd Consultants
27 Ashfield
Park Martock
Somerset
TA12 6EE
PsychEd Ltd
Octavius Psychology
Tests for Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia & Dyspraxia
Octavius Psychology
Robert T Johnstone
Chartered Psychologist and Educational Psychologist
6 Heathfield Drive
Milngavie
East Dunbartonshire
Scotland
G62 8AZ
Sheila Hall
Hassocks
Sussex
Dyslexia Scotland does excellent work and is extremely helpful. They also have lists of Specialist Tutors, suitably qualified people in their area.
Ed Psych
Galashiels,
Scottish Borders
Independent educational psychology assessments / Galashiels (bolesideeducationalpsychology.uk)
The British Psychology Society
Further information is here.
Educational Psychologists provide further information here.
Dyslexia Assessment
Huntingdon.
Sandy
Brington and Molesworth
United Kingdom
Dyslexia Assessor of the Year 2020, 2021.
Tel: 01767 3031
Fearless Dyslexia
I am a qualified Dyslexia Assessor offering both face-to-face and online assessments for children and adults.
Bath
Fearless Dyslexia
The Yorkshire Rose Dyslexia
At Yorkshire Rose Dyslexia, we believe in a dyslexic-friendly society that enables every neuro-diverse person of all ages to reach their full potential.
South Milford,
North Yorkshire,
LS25 6JT
Yorkshire Rose Dyslexia
Dyslexia Online Assessments by Computer
You can take an online dyslexia assessment today.
Many of them are free; however, just a word of caution: after you receive the results, the companies would like you to sign up for their programmes; or a fully detailed Test. These can cost hundreds of pounds.
Online Assessments – Free
These screening assessments/tests are free. However, beware, some of them will have things you can purchase, or you may be directed to a full assessment or test, which can be very expensive.
Dyslexia Screening Test – Free
Our free online symptoms checklist can help you determine if your child should be screened.
Aspire Academy Educational Excellence
Online Assessments – Paid
Quite a few websites charge, usually a small fee, to complete an assessment. These are pretty interesting and often help to point you in the right direction to what you can do next.
Many companies will pay for assessments or tests.
Funding is usually available whether you are at work or unemployed.
Tests and Assessments for Dysgraphia and Dyspraxia can be carried out by a specially trained Occupational Therapist (OT).
¹Occupational Therapists work with people of all ages, helping them to carry out the activities that they need or want to do in order to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
¹British Association of Occupational Therapists
OT4Kids with DCD
Sue Smit
Morrell Handwriting (UK)
Handwriting Specialist with 15 years of experience.
Elland
West Yorkshire
HX5
OT4KidswithDCD
OT4Kids
Munira Adenwalla
Helping kids learn and grow through play
Manchester
M3 4DN
OT4Kids.co.uk
A Storybook for Children with Handwriting Difficulties and a Guide for Adults.
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