ADHD assessment for children and teens
ADHD can affect how a child learns, plays, and keeps up with daily life. A thorough assessment helps you understand the “why” behind behaviors and gives both your child and you as caregivers a plan that works.
What does ADHD mean for kids and teens?
ADHD affects how the brain regulates attention, impulses, and activity. In children it can show as uneven energy at school, strong emotions, or difficulty following instructions even when they want to succeed.
In the assessment we look at how symptoms appear across settings — home, school, and with friends — and how strengths and challenges have developed over time. We focus on the whole picture: your child’s experience, family routines, and supports already in place.
“An assessment is about seeing the whole child. We want to give you the language and tools so both your child and you as caregivers feel secure moving forward.”
During the assessment we review:
- Developmental history, strengths, and early signs of attention difficulties.
- School environment, homework, and how your child handles demands in different subjects.
- Social interaction, emotion regulation, and free-time interests.
- Family support, strategies, and any co-occurring conditions.
We use tools like K-SADS, 5-15, Conners, and teacher forms. We may add observations or conversations with teachers by agreement.
A careful process that creates clarity
Assessing ADHD in children is a structured process that highlights behaviors across settings. Parents often seek help for school challenges, peer issues, or home struggles with focus, activity level, and impulse control. The assessment brings clarity and opens the door to the right school support and everyday strategies.
Initial parent consultation
We start with a 30-minute screening call to review developmental history and current concerns. After the call we decide if a full assessment is appropriate and outline next steps. If not, we give other recommendations. Depending on age, your child can join parts of the call.
Parent interviews and school input
An in-depth interview with you about your child’s development, strengths, and difficulties. You complete structured forms, and we gather material from school or preschool via teacher forms and sometimes a call to understand how your child functions in groups and learning environments.
Child observation and testing
A psychologist meets your child for play-based observation and age-appropriate tests of attention, social interaction, and cognition. We create a calm setting and pause as needed so your child feels safe.
Medical review
A child and adolescent psychiatrist or pediatrician conducts a medical assessment to rule out other causes and map co-occurring conditions.
Multidisciplinary case review
Psychologist and psychiatrist review all information together and assess whether ADHD criteria are met and if other diagnoses are present. The goal is an accurate, evidence-based diagnosis.
Feedback and support
We hold a feedback session to review results and conclusions verbally and provide a written report. You receive tailored recommendations for school support, any medical steps, and practical tools for home. When needed we refer to habilitation, speech therapy, occupational therapy, or psychological treatment.
Ongoing support after diagnosis
We see the assessment as the start of a long-term plan. We are happy to keep working with your family and collaborate with school, your GP, or other providers.
Support is shaped around your needs — from brief check-ins to more extensive help over time.
Medical follow-up
Medication review, titration, and coordination with your child’s existing care team.
Parent education & coaching
Practical tools for structure, emotion regulation, and preventing conflicts at home.
Collaboration with school
Consultative meetings, documentation, and adaptation plans to support teachers and student health teams.
Frequently asked questions
Can’t find the answer? Reach out and we’ll guide you.
Does the school need to be involved?
We recommend at least one teacher completes forms and that we review any action plans. This makes the assessment more accurate and helps us propose the right accommodations.
Can we do the assessment if our child already sees CAMHS?
Yes. We’re happy to coordinate with existing care and ensure our report can be used in ongoing treatment or support applications.
Can the assessment be done online?
We can do most of the assessment digitally, and we can plan in-person visits when needed.
What if the assessment shows something other than ADHD?
We clearly describe our findings and guide you to the right next steps, whether that’s another neurodevelopmental condition, learning differences, or psychological support.
Ready to book a child assessment?
Take the first step toward less stress and clearer support. We’re here to answer questions and guide you all the way.
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