How to arrange an ADHD assessment for a child in England
Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026
Читать на русскомStart with school and the GP
If attention, activity or impulsivity difficulties affect your child, discuss specific observations with the teacher and SENCO. Ask what happens, what support has been tried and whether it helps. The NHS ↗ explains this first step and GP access.
Activity or distractibility alone does not establish ADHD. Developmental history, impact and possible alternative explanations matter. Do not expect a child to fit an internet symptom checklist.
Requesting referral
Tell the GP or SENCO what continues despite home and school support. Ask about the local neurodevelopmental assessment route, criteria and forms. The pathway may depend on age and service arrangements.
Prepare developmental history, school observations, sleep, hearing, vision, medical information and previous assessments. For a recently arrived child, explain teaching language and environmental changes. Assessment should consider the whole context rather than attributing everything to migration or one questionnaire.
What assessment involves
An appropriate specialist or team, such as a paediatrician or child and adolescent psychiatrist, conducts the assessment. Information is usually gathered from family and school; a computer-based test may be an additional tool. One test does not replace a full clinical conclusion.
For private care, check qualifications and registration: doctors with the GMC ↗, relevant psychologists with the HCPC ↗. Before paying, clarify report content, follow-up and separate treatment charges.
Support while waiting
Ask school to continue help according to current needs rather than postponing everything until diagnosis. Agree practical adjustments, a review date and a responsible staff member. England's school-support options are described on GOV.UK SEND ↗.
Establish who confirms referral acceptance and how to update the service if needs worsen. A private diagnosis does not guarantee automatic NHS medication: treatment and responsibility need separate agreement. Serious safety concerns require urgent help rather than waiting for routine assessment.