Private ADHD Assessment for Children in the UK

A private ADHD assessment for children typically involves a detailed clinical interview with parents, structured questionnaires completed by parents and teachers, standardised rating scales such as the Conners or ADHD Rating Scale, and a direct consultation with your child. Depending on the provider, it may also include cognitive or educational assessments.

The assessment is carried out by a qualified clinician — usually a consultant psychiatrist, paediatrician, or clinical psychologist — who will review all the information gathered and provide a diagnostic opinion. The full process generally involves two or more appointments and results in a written report outlining the findings and any diagnosis.

ADHD presents differently in different children. Common signs include persistent difficulties with attention, concentration, and task completion; impulsivity and difficulty waiting or taking turns; hyperactivity or restlessness; and problems with organisation and following instructions. In some children — particularly girls — ADHD may present more as inattentiveness and distractibility rather than hyperactivity.

If your child’s difficulties are significantly affecting their learning, friendships, or family life, and have been present for at least six months across different settings (home and school), it is worth discussing a referral with your GP or school SENCO. Many parents seek a private assessment when NHS waiting times are long and their child is struggling without support.

In many parts of the UK, NHS waiting times for a child ADHD assessment through CAMHS or community paediatrics are currently one to three years or more. If your child is struggling now, a private assessment can provide answers and a report within a few weeks of booking.

You can access a private ADHD assessment without a GP referral, though some providers ask for one. A private diagnosis from a suitably qualified clinician is accepted by schools for EHCP applications and by NHS prescribers for medication if needed. It is worth checking with your local GP surgery about their shared care policy before booking if medication may be considered.

A private ADHD assessment for a child in the UK typically costs between £500 and £1,800, depending on the type of clinician, the number of appointments, and whether educational or cognitive testing is included. Assessments by consultant psychiatrists or paediatricians may be at the higher end of this range; those carried out by clinical psychologists may vary. Most assessments include a written report.

Some private health insurance policies cover ADHD assessments — check your policy and contact your insurer before booking. Children who already receive Disability Living Allowance may have some funds available that can help cover the cost. There is no government grant specifically for private ADHD assessments, though local authority SEND teams may fund an assessment in some circumstances if your child is going through an EHCP needs assessment.

A private ADHD assessment usually takes place over two or more appointments. At the first appointment, the clinician will take a detailed developmental and medical history from parents, covering early development, behaviour at home and school, sleep, social relationships, and any relevant family history. You will usually be asked to complete rating scales and questionnaires before or during this appointment.

At the second appointment (or sometimes during the same one), your child will be seen — either alone or with you present, depending on their age. The clinician will observe your child, review the completed questionnaires and school reports, and discuss their findings with you. A written report is then produced. Some providers also include a feedback session to discuss the report in detail.

Yes. You do not need a GP referral to access a private ADHD assessment. You can book directly with a registered independent clinician or assessment service. However, if your child may need ADHD medication following the assessment, it is worth speaking to your GP beforehand, as they will need to be involved in any prescribing on a shared-care basis.

Some NHS prescribers will accept a private diagnosis and initiate shared-care prescribing. Others may require their own assessment or a CAMHS referral before prescribing. It is worth asking about this before booking your private assessment so you understand the pathway in your area.

With private provision, the full process — from booking to receiving your written report — typically takes between two and six weeks, depending on the provider’s availability. Some providers offer faster turnarounds if needed. By comparison, NHS assessments through CAMHS or community paediatrics in many areas currently have waiting times of one to three years.

After receiving the report, schools can use it immediately to put support in place. If medication is being considered, the prescribing pathway can begin once your GP has received the report and agreed to a shared-care arrangement.