Parent's guide · Updated June 2026
A Parent's Guide to Getting Your Child Assessed for ADHD in the UK
Getting your child an ADHD assessment in the UK does not have to mean years on a CAMHS waiting list. This guide explains every route — NHS Right to Choose, private, and standard NHS — with practical steps from first concerns to receiving a diagnosis.
This guide is for information only and does not constitute medical or clinical advice. Every child is different — always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your child's individual situation.
Your options at a glance
NHS Right to Choose
England onlyNHS CAMHS pathway
All UKPrivate assessment
All UKOutside England? NHS Right to Choose does not apply in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland — each nation runs its own NHS pathway with different referral routes and waits. See our dedicated guides for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Step-by-step: from first concerns to diagnosis
Notice the signs and gather observations
ADHD in children looks different depending on age, gender and the predominant subtype. Inattentive ADHD (formerly ADD) can look like daydreaming, disorganisation, losing things, and difficulty following instructions — it is frequently missed, especially in girls. Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD is more visible: constant movement, talking excessively, difficulty waiting turns, and acting without thinking. Combined type involves both. Before seeking a referral, keep a written diary of the specific behaviours you have noticed — how often they occur, in which settings, and how they affect your child's life at home and school. Take this with you to the GP appointment.
Speak to your child's school SENCO
The Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) at your child's school is worth involving early. They can document concerns formally, provide observation reports and completed teacher questionnaires that carry significant weight in a diagnostic assessment, support an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) application, and in some areas make or support a referral directly to the diagnostic pathway. A joint referral from both the SENCO and the GP is often processed more quickly than a GP-only referral.
Visit your GP for a referral
In England, you can request a Right to Choose referral at your GP appointment — ask your GP to refer your child to any CQC-registered provider that accepts under-18s for ADHD assessment. Once your GP agrees that a referral is warranted, they cannot restrict which provider you choose. Bring your written record of behaviours and any letters or observation forms from the school SENCO. For the NHS standard pathway, your GP will refer to local CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) — waiting times can be 2–5 years in some areas.
Choose your assessment route
In England, NHS Right to Choose gives access to private CQC-registered providers at NHS cost, with waits that vary by area; some areas have minimum waits of a year or more. Private assessment (self-funded) is available across all UK nations and is usually possible within 2–6 weeks. The NHS CAMHS standard pathway is the longest route but is free everywhere. Not all private providers assess children — use Seen Sooner's age filter to find providers that accept under-18s.
Understand what the assessment involves
A child ADHD assessment typically includes: a structured clinical interview with parents/carers about the child's developmental and behavioural history; a session with the child (which may include direct observation, play-based interaction, or cognitive testing depending on age); standardised questionnaires completed by parents and teachers — an ADHD-specific scale such as the Conners 3, and sometimes a broader screener such as the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). NICE is clear that a diagnosis should never rest on rating scales alone; and review of school reports or SENCO input. The assessment usually involves 2–3 appointments and covers ADHD symptoms across home, school, and other settings (a key diagnostic requirement).
Support your child during the process
Many children feel anxious about clinical appointments. Explain in age-appropriate terms that the appointments are to understand how their brain works — not to find something "wrong". If stimulation-seeking is part of your child's ADHD, long waits in clinical settings can be challenging; bring something to occupy them. After assessment appointments, children with ADHD often need downtime to recover from the demands of concentrated focus. If your child is old enough, involve them in understanding what ADHD means for them.
Receive the report and arrange support
After the assessment, a written diagnostic report will usually arrive within 2–6 weeks. If ADHD is confirmed, take copies to share with your child's school (to support EHCP applications and SEND adjustments), your GP (for shared care medication), and any other professionals involved. ADHD medication for children is usually initiated by the specialist and then transferred to the NHS GP under a shared care agreement. Not all GPs accept shared care — it is worth asking your practice before booking a private assessment.
Frequently asked questions
What age can children be assessed for ADHD?
NICE guidance supports diagnosis from age 5, though many assessments take place a little later, when children start school and difficulties become more apparent. Most private providers assess children from age 5 or 6 upwards. Assessment is possible at any age through childhood and into adolescence.
How much does a private child ADHD assessment cost in the UK?
Private ADHD assessments for children typically cost £600–£1,400 in the UK, depending on the provider and the complexity of the assessment. Combined ADHD and autism (AuDHD) assessments may cost more. Via NHS Right to Choose in England, there is no cost to the family.
Can I request NHS Right to Choose for my child's ADHD assessment?
Yes. In England, children under 18 are covered by NHS Right to Choose for ADHD assessment. Ask your GP to refer your child to any CQC-registered provider that accepts under-18s. Once your GP agrees to refer, they cannot restrict your choice of provider. Not all providers assess children, so check before choosing one.
Will a private ADHD diagnosis be recognised by schools?
A diagnosis from a CQC-registered provider (in England) should be recognised by schools for SEND support purposes. Schools must make reasonable adjustments for a disabled pupil under the Equality Act 2010 regardless of where the diagnosis came from, and SEND support is based on need rather than on holding a diagnosis. Local authorities may require re-assessment by NHS-employed clinicians for EHCP purposes — this varies by area.
Should my child also be assessed for autism?
ADHD and autism often co-occur: meta-analyses suggest roughly a third of autistic people also meet the criteria for ADHD. If your child shows signs of both, a combined AuDHD assessment can be more efficient and cost-effective than two separate assessments. Ask providers whether they offer combined pathways.
My child was assessed and did not receive a diagnosis. What now?
If your child does not receive an ADHD diagnosis but you remain concerned, ask for a second opinion or a re-assessment in 12–18 months. You can also seek school-based support via the SEND route without a formal diagnosis. Many schools can implement support strategies based on observed need rather than waiting for a diagnosis.
Find ADHD assessment providers for your child
Enter your postcode to see NHS Right to Choose and private providers near you that assess children for ADHD.
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