ADHD Testing for Children: Where to Go and What to Expect

Whether or not a child has ADHD can be confusing. Many of the behaviors that raise concerns — being easily distracted, struggling to sit still, acting impulsively, losing things, or having emotional outbursts—are things most children show from time to time. It can be hard to know when these behaviors might indicate ADHD. This guide is here to help UK parents navigate the process with care. It explains how to get your child tested, whether through the NHS or private routes, what each type of service offers, how waiting lists work, and how to find safe online options. We also cover what to bring to appointments, potential costs, and what kind of support your child can receive after a diagnosis.

Quick Start: Which Route Fits Your Family?

• GP appointment (NHS)
  Ask your GP to start a child ADHD assessment or to refer you to local CAMHS or community paediatrics. In England, if the waiting times are long, ask about the Right to Choose route to a qualified external provider.
• School route
  Speak to the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO). The SENCO gathers evidence and helps you request an NHS referral or an autism assessment if that is also a concern.
• Private ADHD assessments
  Book directly with a UK-registered consultant child psychiatrist, paediatrician, or clinical psychologist. You can get my child tested for ADHD privately and ask your GP about a shared-care agreement for prescriptions after diagnosis.
• Online services
  Choose UK-compliant clinics that mirror a clinic visit: structured interviews, teacher input, and a written report. Some platforms also screen for autism signs. A reputable option is Unicool’s online neuro-diagnostics, which offers an initial screener and clinician feedback to help you decide whether to book a full assessment.

NHS Route: How the ADHD Assessment Process Works

• Start with your GP
  Bring examples from home and school and ask for a referral for a child or young person with suspected attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The service checks whether your child shows signs across settings, not just in one place.
• Part of the assessment
  Clinical interviews with you and your child, teacher or nursery questionnaires, developmental history, a review of learning needs, and, if needed, tests of attention and impulse control.
• Who runs it
  NHS community paediatrics, CAMHS, or neurodevelopmental teams.
• Waiting lists
  Times vary by area. Ask for a realistic estimate and what support the school can put in place now. If you live in England, talk to your GP about the Right to Choose route when waiting times are high.

Tip

while you wait, the school can use classroom adjustments. Extra movement breaks, visual schedules, and short, concrete instructions often help children with ADHD stay on track.

Private Route: Faster Access and What to Check

A private ADHD assessment can reduce delays. Quality clinics follow UK guidance and include school input, so the report carries weight with education settings. Ask for a written breakdown of the assessment process and who will sign the report (consultant psychiatrist, paediatrician, or clinical psychologist).

• Confirm inclusions: parent and child interviews, teacher questionnaires, developmental history, differential diagnosis (for example, learning needs and autism assessment if needed), and a full report.
• Medication plan: if medicine is appropriate, the clinician starts low and reviews regularly. Ask your GP in advance about shared-care prescribing once the dose is stable.
• Costs: packages differ. Compare price, what’s included (report for school, feedback session, first medication review), and follow-up support.

Online Options: What “Good” Looks Like

Safe online services mirror a clinic appointment. They do not skip teacher input or reduce clinical oversight. Look for the following:

• UK-registered clinicians deliver the assessment and sign the report.
• Teacher questionnaires are part of the package; ADHD must be seen in more than one setting.
• Clear data and privacy details: where data is stored and who can access it.
• Follow-up plan if your child is diagnosed with ADHDparent training, school liaison, first medication review, and check-ins.

Unicool Online Neurodiagnostics Platform

This tool gives a structured screener with clinician feedback. It’s not a full diagnosis, but it can help you decide whether to go ahead with a complete ADHD assessment and what examples to bring

What If I Also Suspect Autism?

Many families ask how to get my child tested for autism at the same time. Tell your GP and the SENCO. Teams often screen for both conditions, because support at school depends on a full picture of your child’s needs.

What Evidence Should I Bring?

• Recent school examples (last 6–12 months): attention, organisation, waiting their turn, frustration, sleep, and friendships.
• Home examples: morning routines, homework, mealtimes, and transitions. Note where prompts help and where they do not.
• Strengths profile: curiosity, creativity, humour, problem-solving, sport, or special interests. Clinicians need the whole picture.

Costs, Waiting Lists, and Practical Choices

• Waiting lists:
  Ask the NHS team for their average timeframe and what you can do while you wait. Request classroom support now.
• Private clinics:
  Compare packages, follow-up, and the seniority of the clinician. A slightly higher fee that includes school liaison and the first review can be better value.
• Online vs in-person:
  Online can be convenient; in-person can suit younger children. Pick the format your child will tolerate best.

What Happens Next: Support After an ADHD Diagnosis

A good service offers a combined plan. That plan normally includes three strands: classroom strategies, parent training, and, if helpful, medicine with careful review of benefits and side effects. Many families also try cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to build coping skills and manage frustration.

• School actions
  Short instructions, visual timers, movement breaks, a calm workstation, exam access arrangements, and help with organisation.
• Parent training
  Consistent routines at home, positive attention for effort, and clear, low-word prompts.
• Health follow-up
  Regular reviews; discuss sleep, appetite, mood, and the impact on learning and friendships.
• Support groups
  Local charities and online communities help you share strategies and navigate services.

FAQ: Quick Answers

• Can I get my child tested for ADHD privately?
  Yes. Book with a UK-registered child psychiatrist, paediatrician, or clinical psychologist. Ask your GP about shared-care for prescriptions once the dose is stable.
• How do I find services near me?
  Ask your GP, the SENCO, and local parent forums. Search for “private ADHD assessments” plus your region, and check the clinician’s registration.

• What if I only want an online assessment?
  Make sure the provider uses teacher questionnaires, offers a full report, and provides follow-up. Ask about data security. A high-quality online clinic can be as thorough as in-person

10 Things to Check Before Booking an ADHD Assessment

• Confirm the clinician is UK-registered and experienced with children with ADHD
• Ask what is included: parent and child interviews, teacher input, and a full report for school
• Check how long waiting lists are and whether cancellations are available
• Ask who will see the report and how school support starts
• Confirm a first medication review is included, if relevant
• Request a sample report (redacted) to see quality and clarity
• Ask about privacy and where your data is stored
• Check costs for re-reviews, school letters, and extra appointments
• If you suspect autism too, ask for a combined pathway or an autism assessment
• Plan follow-up: parent training, SENCO liaison, and review dates