An ADHD assessment can be the first step to accessing support to make the day-to-day feel easier, but it can feel daunting walking into an assessment with no idea of what to expect.
So, to alleviate any stress, we’ll explore the process of getting diagnosed with ADHD. We’ll look at what happens in an adult ADHD assessment, what happens in a child ADHD assessment, as well as how to prepare for your assessment.
Before Your Assessment: How to Prepare
Before you get an ADHD diagnosis, there are a few steps you can take to prepare yourself for the assessment.
One of the first steps to happen in an ADHD assessment is for a questionnaire to be sent to those closest to you. So, first things first, you’ll need to outline 1 or 2 people you’re happy to speak to on your behalf — make sure to get their permission for contact details to be shared.
If your child is taking an ADHD assessment, you can help get them ready by taking the following steps:
- Collect any school reports documenting behaviour
- Inform the school your child will be taking an assessment
- Ask a teacher who regularly sees your child to speak to the doctors
For both adults and children, it’s handy to have a few documents to hand, too. For example, you’ll need your ID, contact information, and symptom history.
What Happens During an ADHD Assessment?
What Happens in an Adult ADHD Assessment?
Several steps happen during an ADHD assessment for adults to ensure you get the most accurate results possible.
First, you’ll receive a questionnaire on your behaviour, medical history, childhood, mental health, relationships, and day-to-day life. A few select loved ones will also be asked to complete a questionnaire on your behaviour, so be sure to have a close friend or partner in mind already.
Then, you’ll be invited in for an interview, where you’ll be asked more in-depth questions about your history, the impact of ADHD on your life, relationships or work, as well as current symptoms.
Next, your clinician will go away to assess their findings, potentially discussing them with other practitioners, to get an accurate diagnosis for you.
Once they have their answer, they’ll invite you back to discuss in person or over a secure video call. During this time, you’ll be able to ask them any questions you might have about your diagnosis.
Average Interview Length: 60 to 90 minutes
Format: In-person or online
What Happens in a Child ADHD Assessment?
As children with ADHD can often act differently at home than in school, an ADHD assessment for a child typically involves additional steps to get an accurate diagnosis.
Parents, carers, and teachers will all be asked to give evidence of the child’s behaviour. For example, school reports can help clinicians build a picture of how the child behaves when in school. Then, parents can give a detailed account of how they act at home.
Both parent and child will have an interview. While the adult will be asked for detailed information on health, history, and medical background, the child will be asked age-appropriate questions, such as their likes, dislikes, or everyday struggles.
All the information from various people in regular contact with the child will then be used to create a diagnosis that’s accurate for them.
Average Interview & Observation: 90 minutes to 3 hours
Format: In-person or online
What Tools and Tests Are Used During an ADHD Assessment?
To get the most accurate diagnosis possible, clinicians will use a range of diagnostic tools and tests during an adult ADHD assessment, including:
✓ ASRS
✓ DIVA-5
✓ CAARS
Signs often present differently for children, which means the tools and tests used need to be different, too. As such, clinicians will use the following for child ADHD assessments:
✓ Conners 3
✓ Conners 4
✓ SNAP-IV Scale
✓ Vanderbilt Scale
Questionnaires like Conners 3 or Conners 4 are typically used to give a severity score of how the symptoms impact you. Other rating scales include SNAP-IV and Vanderbilt, all designed to get an idea of what ADHD looks like for you.
Then, official diagnostic guidelines, such as the DSM-5, will be used to compare your behaviour to internationally recognised diagnostic criteria.
Alongside these official criteria, you’ll have interviews with clinicians to get background information on your health. Plus, in some cases, a physical exam may be required to rule out other potential causes of your symptoms — sleep disorders or thyroid complications.
What Happens After an ADHD Assessment?
After an ADHD assessment, you’ll receive your results in an email, via video call, or in person. You’ll be given all the clinician’s findings and what they mean in relation to your diagnosis.
Depending on who your assessor is, you might also be invited back for a follow-up meeting, where you can ask any questions you have about ADHD and your own diagnosis.
Most assessors will also provide a personalised treatment plan, including suggestions for medication. You’ll also receive guidance on available support, such as SENCO for children with ADHD in school or adjustments adults can request in the workplace.
If you’re not diagnosed with ADHD, the clinic might suggest other tests for you to assess for common co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, autism, or depression.
How Do I Get Referred for an ADHD Assessment?
Getting referred for an ADHD assessment differs depending on whether you opt for an NHS assessment or go private instead.
- Getting Referred for an NHS Assessment: First, fill out an ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS). Then, book a GP appointment to discuss your symptoms, as well as the results from your ASRS test. Your GP will then arrange for you to be referred for an assessment.
- Getting Referred for a Private Assessment: Research local private ADHD clinics near you, making sure to check reviews, what’s included in their package, prices, and payment options. Once you’ve found one you like, reach out to book your appointment.
While the NHS does offer free ADHD tests, the wait times can exceed 2 years for many. Most private assessors use the same NICE guidelines as the NHS, but they offer significantly shorter wait times — in some cases, it’s just a matter of weeks.
For many, it’s the cost that needs to be considered first, before booking a private ADHD assessment. Keep in mind that some health insurance plans will cover an ADHD assessment. As such, it’s worth checking your policy if you’re considering booking in with a private clinic.
Neuroaffinity Provides ADHD Assessments for Adults and Children
Here at Neuroaffinity, we believe everyone deserves access to fast, accurate ADHD assessment — we offer exactly that.
With us, you can book an adult ADHD assessment for yourself or enquire about a child ADHD assessment for a young person in your care. Both are delivered quickly, by professionals, all at an affordable price.
Get in touch with us today to see how we can help you. Call us on 0776 856 5162 or send an email to enquiries@neuroaffinity.co.uk. Alternatively, fill out our contact form for a callback.
