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Psychological Assessments: ADHD Test for Adults and Children

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental difference that starts in childhood, affecting people throughout their entire lives. It can influence your health, wellbeing, and how you manage everyday tasks. 1,2

An assessment is used to determine whether your symptoms are consistent with ADHD, while ruling out other conditions such as anxiety, depression, or sleep disorders. Taking an ADHD test may bring you a sense of clarity and can offer guidance on the next steps to take. 

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How it Works

The Benefits of Getting an ADHD Assessment

There are several benefits to being assessed for ADHD, depending on whether you are a child or an adult.

Child Assessment Benefits:

Understanding Difficult Behaviours

  • An assessment can clarify whether problem behaviours are linked to ADHD.

Tailoring Treatment Plans

  • Children diagnosed with ADHD can have treatments designed to support their individual needs.

Supporting School Performance

  • ADHD can affect executive functioning, potentially causing issues with memory and concentration. If your child has an ADHD diagnosis, this can help schools provide the appropriate academic support they may require.

Accessing Educational Support

  • Children with ADHD who attend school may gain access to specific educational accommodations, such as SEN support or an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan.3

Enhanced Social Skills

  • Early identification of ADHD can support children with their social development and emotional regulation skills.4

Adult Assessment Benefits:

Validation and Understanding

  • An adult diagnosis of ADHD often brings clarity and validation, helping you make sense of your experiences and understand long-standing challenges.

Access to Treatment Options

  • If ADHD is confirmed, then treatment options such as medications, therapy, or coaching can be explored to help you manage symptoms.

Improved Relationships

  • Understanding ADHD can help you address any relationship difficulties you may have and improve your communication skills.5

Getting Work Accommodations

  • A diagnosis of ADHD may support you in getting reasonable adjustments at work to help you perform at your best, such as flexible hours or reducing sensory overload.6

What a Private ADHD Assessment Involves

As a private therapist in central London trained in ADHD assessment and diagnosis, I offer an ADHD test for adults and an ADHD diagnosis for children and adolescents, either in-person or online. An ADHD test explores how symptoms like inattention, impulsivity, and emotional dysregulation present themselves in your daily life. 

A thorough assessment follows the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria, which are the standards used by psychologists and psychiatrists worldwide. This means that ADHD is not diagnosed based solely on what a child, adult, or parent reports. To meet the criteria, the symptoms must:

  • Be present in at least two different settings (for example, home and school, or work and social situations)
  • Interfere with daily functioning, such as relationships, learning, or work
  • Have been present since childhood (even if they weren’t recognised at the time)

During the assessment, I will ask about your current symptoms, life experiences, family background, education, and any present challenges you face. For adults, I may request some extra information from someone who knew you in childhood to assist me in making a diagnosis.

If ADHD is diagnosed, I will explain what this means, what happens next, and what support may be available to you. This approach makes sure that any diagnosis is thorough and accurate, so we can identify the best treatment approach for you. 

Book a Private ADHD Test in London

If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD, reach out to me for support. I am a HCPC-registered Counselling Psychologist and a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society (BPS). I have specialist training and extensive experience in ADHD assessment and diagnosis. I have worked across NHS services, private clinics, and academic settings, giving me the expertise needed to take a thorough, evidence-based approach.

What this means for you:
  • You can be confident that your assessment is conducted to the highest clinical standards (following guidelines set by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence).
  • Every step of the process is informed by research and best practice, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
  • My experience allows me to interpret results in a way that is meaningful and actionable, helping you or your child understand your cognitive profile and access tailored support.
Contact me to arrange an assessment or to ask me any questions you may have about the ADHD assessment process.

FAQs About ADHD Screening

It’s natural to have questions about the ADHD assessment process. Below, I’ve answered some of the most common queries I receive about adult and child ADHD assessment.

ADHD assessments are carried out by psychiatrists, specialist ADHD nurses, or psychologists with appropriate training.7 As a psychologist who is fully trained in the diagnosis and assessment of ADHD, please reach out to me if you are searching for an ADHD test for adults in London or online. 

Yes, child and adult ADHD assessments do differ. While symptoms may be the same, the diagnostic criteria for adults and children are distinct.8

Symptoms of ADHD typically impact your ability to focus (attention-deficit), cause higher energy levels (hyperactivity), and impair impulse control. Therefore, some of the key signs of ADHD include:1

  • Being easily distracted
  • Forgetfulness or frequently losing items, such as your keys or phone
  • Difficulty organising your time
  • Struggling to complete tasks or follow instructions through to the end
  • Having a lot of energy
  • Feeling restless or fidgety
  • Being very talkative
  • Finding it hard to wait for your turn, for instance, interrupting conversations
  • Making quick decisions without thinking through the consequences