Private ADHD Assessment For Children

Your child’s assessment matters. Getting it right matters too.

Private ADHD assessments for children aged 5–17 across the UK, conducted by specialist clinicians. Each assessment comes with a full written report, personalised treatment plan, and letters for schools and GPs, delivered within 10 working days. No GP referral required.

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Same-Week Availability

Shared Care Available

No Referral Needed

NHS Waiting Times
Are Now Averaging 4+ Years for Child ADHD Assessments

By early 2026, NHS trusts report that children are waiting up to 4+ years for neurodevelopmental assessments in many areas. Every missed school term without the right support has a direct impact on your child’s education, confidence, and wellbeing.

A private ADHD assessment for children means your child can be seen within weeks. The report is accepted by schools, GPs, and local authorities, giving you the documentation needed to access support without delay.

Wait 4+ Years

Average NHS Wait for Child ADHD Assessment

Same Week

ADHD Certify
assessment availability

What Happens
at a Child ADHD Assessment?

The process of child ADHD assessment is straightforward. Here is what to expect from booking through to receiving your child’s report:

Book Your Assessment

Select a date and time online. No GP referral required. Available as a video consultation across the UK or in person at selected clinic locations.

Complete Pre-Assessment Forms

Two questionnaires are sent in advance by email. The first is completed by a parent or guardian. The second should be completed by someone who knows the child in a professional context: a teacher, tutor, or sports coach.

The Assessment Session

A 90–120 minute structured clinical interview conducted by a specialist clinician. Your child will be accompanied by a parent or guardian throughout.

Receive Your Report

Your comprehensive written report is delivered within 10 working days. It includes the diagnostic outcome, a personalised treatment plan, and letters suitable for schools, GPs, or local authorities.

How We Assess ADHD in Children

Not a quiz or informal opinion

This is a structured clinical assessment designed to understand your child’s symptoms in context.

Conducted by a specialist clinician

Your child will be assessed by a clinician with specific experience in ADHD in children and young people. Not a generalist. Not a brief call.

Considered against recognised diagnostic standards

Diagnosis is considered against DSM-5 criteria and informed by NICE guideline principles for ADHD assessment in children, the same frameworks used across NHS and private clinical practice.

Evidence from more than one setting

Symptoms are considered across home and school using parent and teacher or professional questionnaires completed in advance. How your child presents in one setting alone is not sufficient for diagnosis.

A 90 to 120 minute structured clinical interview

The core appointment is a structured clinical interview, not a brief consultation. It covers symptom history, developmental background, and how difficulties are showing up across your child’s life.

Impairment, not just traits

Clinicians assess whether symptoms are persistent, developmentally significant, and affecting school performance, behaviour, emotional wellbeing, or daily functioning. The presence of traits alone is not diagnostic.

A clear written outcome

Where diagnostic criteria are met, you receive a formal written report setting out the clinical findings, the basis for the diagnosis, and recommendations for next steps. The report is suitable for schools, GPs, and local authorities.

Signs Your Child May Need an ADHD Assessment

ADHD does not always present as a child who cannot sit still. Many children, particularly girls, show quieter signs that are frequently missed or attributed to personality traits. If any of the following are familiar, an assessment could give your family the clarity it needs.

Hyperactive / Impulsive Signs

Inattentive / Less Obvious Signs

Inattentive ADHD in girls often presents differently to boys and is frequently overlooked.

We Offer Transparent Pricing

	ADHD Certify	NHS	Other Private Clinics
Wait Time	1-2 Weeks	4+ years	8+ weeks
Cost	£795	Free (with long wait)	£800–£2,400+
GP Referral Needed	No	Yes	Often yes
NHS-Accepted Report	Yes	Yes	Varies
Payment Plans	Yes	N/A	Rarely

*We also offer Right to Choose.

ADHD Diagnosis
Is Just the Beginning: Here Is What It Unlocks

A formal ADHD diagnosis is a clinically valid document that opens access to support across education, healthcare, and family life. Here is what becomes available to your child/teen:

EHCP Application

If your child’s needs are significant, an ADHD diagnosis supports an application for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), a legally binding document that ensures appropriate support is in place throughout your child’s education.

Read EHCP guide.

School Support

Your diagnostic report can be provided to your child’s SENCO as the clinical evidence needed to put a formal SEN Support Plan in place. This may include differentiated teaching, additional time, and exam access arrangements.

School support guide.

ADHD Medication

Medication is not mandatory and is not always the first step. For younger children, NICE guidelines recommend behavioural strategies first. Where medication is appropriate and agreed, your clinician can prescribe directly, with medication delivered via our partner pharmacy.

Medication guide

Non-Medication Support

Your report will outline appropriate support options based on your child’s presentation. These may include parent training programmes (such as Triple P or New Forest Parenting), CBT for older children and teenagers, and ADHD coaching.

Explore options.

Could Your Child's Diagnosis Unlock Financial Support?

Many parents are not aware that an ADHD diagnosis may entitle the family to financial support. Your diagnostic report provides the clinical evidence needed to support the following applications:

Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

Children with ADHD may qualify for DLA if their condition means they require significantly more care or supervision than other children their age. DLA for ADHD can be worth up to £194 per week. Your diagnostic report can be submitted as supporting evidence and significantly strengthens the application.

Read DLA guide.

Universal Credit: Disabled Child Addition

If your child receives any rate of DLA, this unlocks the Disabled Child Addition within Universal Credit, providing additional financial support for your household.

Carer's Allowance

If you spend 35 or more hours a week caring for a child receiving the middle or highest DLA care rate, you may also qualify for Carer’s Allowance.

Important: We recommend consulting a benefits adviser or Citizens Advice for guidance on eligibility and how to apply. Your diagnostic report will include all necessary clinical information to support your application.

Meet Our Clinical Team

All ADHD Certify assessments are conducted by qualified clinicians registered with the relevant regulatory body. Our team includes registered mental health nurses, advanced practitioners, and specialist psychologists, each with experience in NHS and private ADHD assessment.

Rebecca Wilson

Clinical Director . NMC: 13E2851E

Shymaa Sword

Clinical Lead . NMC: 20F1602E

Lisa Smith

Advanced Practitioner . NMC: 07K0886E

Garrett Kennedy

Counselling . HCPC: PYL26015
Psychologist . / BPS: 2363

What Patients Say

Parents and families share their experience of ADHD Certify’s assessments. Reviews are shown from Google.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 374 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Brett Sayce 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very very happy with these guys, Rebecca Wilson senior clinician is outstanding and then I dealt with Annisah to discuss medication, a very emotional and informative chat and for the first time in 53 years I realised what is wrong with me, could not recommend more highly, thank you for helping me to change my life for the better, excited about the future for the first time ever
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jamie Nicol 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We would highly recommend ADHD Certify.  All communications and interactions with them have been positive and we were able to arrange and complete my son’s ADHD assessment within a week.   The practitioner that completed his assessment (Roina Moussirou) was brilliant with a very calm and helpful style.   My son often struggles to engage with strangers however he felt at ease talking to Roina about his life.  As a parent I learnt more about my child and his daily struggles and found the assessment to be very thorough.  After the assessment Roina arranged for a follow up session a few days afterwards where my son’s diagnosis was delivered sensitively.    I have recieved extensive information and support through links and documents following the diagnosis which will be helpful for support moving forward.   Once again, I would highly recommend, very impressed with the service.   Thank you
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lee Evans 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Created a safe place very quickly explain the process we had the odd technical glitch but very different to a therapy session and we we do some dark hard places.

I felt safe going there as Holly was with me.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   idris ahmed 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an excellent experience during my ADHD screening with Toni Henderson. The interview was thorough and in depth, with specific, thoughtful questions and plenty of time to give detailed answers and discuss my experiences without feeling rushed. Toni was incredibly understanding and accommodating of my travel circumstances on the day, which I really appreciated. Her wealth of knowledge and experience was evident throughout, yet the conversation felt natural and flowed easily. She made me feel comfortable, listened to and understood. I’m very pleased to have been seen by someone so experienced and compassionate, and I would highly recommend her.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Beth Holland 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a meeting with toni yesterday and she was fantastic. Really helped me understand myself and my traits. Would definitely recommend
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Emma Mary Busby 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Annisah is great and really supportive , educating me about the meds , ensuring that I’m getting the best out of them. If needed I get clear guidance and quick answers to my questions .
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Natalie Jones 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had my assessment yesterday with Kerri. I get super nervous and anxious meeting new people, especially in these kind of circumstances, but Kerri was incredible, so kind and patient and I felt comfortable so quickly. Kerri was very clear throughout, and gave me ample time to think and speak. Very glad I chose ADHD Certify, and extra glad I chose Kerri. Thank you 🖤
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jasmine 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Shymaa was an amazing assessor and made me feel comfortable and heard throughout my assessment. She gave me some amazing advice and ideas on how to move forward
  
 
  
  
 
    Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified that these reviews were published on ADHD Certify's Google Business Profile. Learn more

Ready to Get Answers?

NHS waiting lists for child ADHD assessment now exceed 4+ years in many areas. Every term without the right support is time your child cannot get back. A private assessment provides answers within weeks, along with everything needed to access support at school, at home, and beyond. No referral needed. Assessed by a specialist clinician, not a generalist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age can a Child be assessed for ADHD?

We assess children and young people aged 5 to 17. From age 18, our adult ADHD assessment is the right route. If your child is close to their 18th birthday and you’re unsure which assessment to book, our team can advise you.

Will my child’s school be involved in Children ADHD Assessment?

A second questionnaire is sent to someone who knows your child outside the family, typically a teacher, tutor or sports coach. This shows how your child’s behaviour presents in a setting outside the home. The school doesn’t need to be involved beyond completing this questionnaire. If your child is home-schooled, a tutor, club leader or coach can complete it.

Will schools, GPs and local authorities accept a private ADHD diagnosis?

Schools, GPs and local authorities can consider a private ADHD report as clinical evidence. Each organisation makes its own decisions. Schools decide how to use it to support your child, GPs decide whether to agree to shared care, and local authorities weigh it alongside other evidence when considering an EHCP. Our report can be used as supporting evidence for SEN support, an EHCP request, exam access arrangements and benefit applications such as DLA. It cannot guarantee any of these outcomes.

What is the assessment like for your child?

The session is relaxed and conversational. Your child will not be tested, put on the spot, or made to feel like something is wrong with them. The clinician will talk with your child in a calm, private setting, at their pace. A parent or guardian is present throughout. Most children find the session far less daunting than they expect.

What if it turns out to be autism, or both?

ADHD and autism frequently co-occur, a combination sometimes referred to as AuDHD. If the assessment raises the possibility of autism alongside ADHD, your clinician will discuss this with you and outline appropriate next steps.

We are already on the NHS waiting list. Should we still book privately?

That is entirely your decision. Being on the NHS waiting list does not prevent you from seeking a private assessment. Many families choose to proceed privately while remaining on the NHS list, particularly where school support, medication, or benefit applications cannot wait. A private diagnosis can be acted on immediately. Your NHS place is not affected.

Can my child have medication after a private diagnosis?

If medication is recommended and you agree to it, our clinicians can prescribe it, with delivery through our partner pharmacy. Medication isn’t mandatory and isn’t always the first step. Your clinician will explain the options for your child’s age and needs. Medication review appointments cost £225 each, and the medication itself is charged separately. See our medication guide for current costs.

Is an Online ADHD Assessment Appropriate for Children?

Yes, for most children. The online children ADHD assessment follows the same clinical protocol as in-person and produces the same report. In-person ADHD assessment may be preferable for younger children, those with significant anxiety, or presentations that are particularly complex. Our team can advise which format is most appropriate for your child if you are unsure.