The Assessment Process

ADHD the assessment process

There are a number of different people that complete ADHD assessments, you may just see one person or a few different professionals

a child psychiatrist

a paediatrician

a nurse

a specialist healthcare professional with knowledge and skills in ADHD

Who you're referred to depends on the child’s age and what's available in your local area?

What Happens During an ADHD Assessment?

There's no simple test to determine whether you or your child has ADHD, but your specialist can make an accurate diagnosis after a detailed assessment. The assessment may include:

a series of interviews with you and your child

interviews or reports from other significant people, such as partners, parents and teachers

questionnaires

a physical examination

an observation in the school environment

Once you have met with a specialist, they may be able to give you an answer within a few weeks, sometimes the assessment process does take longer and interventions may be recommended before a diagnosis is given.

They may suggest starting a group-based, ADHD-focused parent training or education programme.

Being offered a parent training and education programme does not mean you have been a bad parent – it aims to teach you ways of helping yourself and your child.