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ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD)
ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSIS FOR
CHILDREN & TEENAGERS
Quick Summary

  • Specialist ADHD assessments for young people

  • Multi-disciplinary, NICE-compliant approach

  • Includes school input and objective testing

  • Clear diagnosis with detailed report

  • Ongoing support, coaching, therapy, and medication options 

Concerned Your Child May Have ADHD?

You might be noticing:

  • Difficulty concentrating or staying focused

  • High energy levels or constant movement

  • Impulsive behaviour

  • Challenges at school, home, or with friendships

👉 A professional assessment can help you understand what’s going on and what support is needed.

Will Schools Accept a Private Diagnosis?

Short Answer: Yes — if it meets standards

Schools and colleges look for:

  • Qualified and experienced clinicians

  • Assessments that follow National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines

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Our multi-disciplinary team meets these standards, so reports are trusted and widely accepted.

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects:

  • Attention and concentration

  • Impulsivity

  • Activity levels

Key Points

  • Usually identified in childhood

  • Can continue into adulthood

  • Not typically diagnosed under age 6

  • Only assessed when symptoms significantly impact daily life​

Common Signs of ADHD

 

A child or teenager with ADHD may:

  • Daydream frequently

  • Often forget or lose things

  • Be disorganised

  • Seem not to listen

  • Fidget or struggle to sit still

  • Talk excessively​

  • Make careless mistakes

  • Act impulsively

  • Take risks without thinking

  • Struggle to wait their turn

  • Have difficulty with friendships

  • Leave tasks unfinished

  • Struggle to start tasks

  • Have very high energy levels

  • Experience sleep difficulties

Types of ADHD

1. Predominantly Inattentive

  • Difficulty focusing and following instructions

  • Easily distracted

  • Forgetful and disorganised

 

2. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive

  • Constant movement or restlessness

  • Talking a lot

  • Interrupting others

  • Acting without thinking

 

3. Combined Type

  • A mix of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms

👉 Note: Presentation can change over time.

 

Important to Know

ADHD-like behaviours can also be seen in:

  • Anxiety

  • Learning difficulties

  • Trauma or adverse experiences

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A full assessment helps identify the true cause.

Benefits of a Diagnosis

For Your Child

  • Better understanding of their behaviour

  • Access to the right support

  • Improved confidence and wellbeing

For You & Your Family

  • Clear framework for understanding challenges

  • Ability to access services and support

  • Better advocacy for your child

For School

  • Enables reasonable adjustments

  • Helps tailor teaching and support

  • Improves outcomes

Assessment Process (Simple Overview)

Step 1: Initial Assessment

  • In-depth discussion (up to 90 minutes)

  • Review of development, behaviour, and concerns

  • Questionnaires completed in advance

  • Decision made on whether full assessment is needed

Child attendance recommended

Available face-to-face or online

 

Step 2: Questionnaires (School Input)

  • Input from school or college

  • Provides real-world observations across settings

 

Step 3: Diagnostic Interview – Part 1

  • Detailed parent interview

  • Additional questionnaires

  • Builds on earlier information

Conducted online

Child does not attend

 

Step 4: Objective Testing – Part 2

  • QbCheck and BRIEF assessments

  • Measures:

    • Attention

    • Activity

    • Impulsivity

  • Provides objective data to support diagnosis

Child attends

Online or face-to-face

 

Step 5: School Observation (If Needed)

  • Observation in school setting

  • Conducted by Assistant Psychologist

 

Step 6: Feedback Session

  • Clear explanation of outcome

  • Full diagnostic report provided

  • Personalised recommendations included

Online

Child not required

 

Step 7: Post-Assessment Support

  • Follow-up sessions

  • Guidance for home and school

  • Ongoing advice and support

 

Step 8: Therapy & Coaching - see our SPC and Therapy pages

Support is available for:

  • Anxiety or low mood

  • Behavioural challenges

  • Relationships and self-esteem

  • Emotional regulation

 

Step 9: Further Assessments (If Needed)

  • Cognitive assessments

  • Learning profile evaluations

  • Behavioural analysis and coaching

 

Step 10: Medication (If Appropriate)

  • Referral to our partner specialist ADHD prescribing pharmacist 

  • Medication review and titration (every 2–4 weeks)

  • Ongoing monitoring and support

Key Takeaways

  • ADHD is common and manageable with the right support

  • Early identification improves outcomes

  • Assessment provides clarity—not just a label

  • Support is available for both child and family

Next Step

If you’re concerned your child may have ADHD, a professional assessment is the most reliable way to find out.

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We provide a clear, supportive, and thorough process to help you move forward with confidence.

If you would like to book an initial screening appointment, or have further questions, please contact our friendly referrals team.   

Telephone 02381 924877 admin@questapsych.com

Questa Psychological Services, Regus Crown Walk, 1 Jewry Street, Winchester, SO23 8BB

© 2020 Questa Psychological Services Ltd. 

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