Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition, which is commonly characterised by signs of hyperactivity, inattentiveness, impulsivity or a combination of all three behaviours.
ADHD Assessments for Children & Young People
The symptoms of ADHD in children are usually traits, that are therefore always present and not episodic. You may notice these traits becoming more prominent in certain situations, for example when doing schoolwork or during play time. If the symptoms are consistent, then an ADHD assessment is the right step to take.
ADHD Assessment Process for Children
There are several different stages as part of your child’s ADHD assessment process.
1. Pre-assessment questionnaires
Our secure system will send you some different questionnaires to complete about your child’s history, strengths and challenges. We will also send out a questionnaire to your child’s educational setting for your child’s class teacher, SENCo or teaching assistant to complete. Information gathered from questionnaires is reviewed and analysed by our clinical team before your child’s assessment.
2. Case history interview
Our clinician will complete a phone call with you (the child’s parent or carer) to gather information on the development, behaviour, and skills since birth. The call systematically covers the child’s developmental, medical and educational history and captures early and current parental observations. This appointment usually takes 60 minutes and your child is not required to attend this appointment.
3. QbCheck (if indicated or requested)
QbCheck is a reliable computer-based test designed to objectively measure and assess various aspects of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. It is administered remotely using your computer’s web browser and takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. Our support team will send you detailed instructions and a voucher code to remotely access the QbCheck test.
4. ADHD Observational Interview
Your clinician will arrange a convenient time and day for an online video session using Microsoft Teams with you and your child. The clinician will ask you and the child/young person questions relating to various daily living elements and focus on ADHD characteristics, usually lasting up to 90 minutes. The clinician will also ask you and your child about additional topics such as their sleep, mental health and their behaviour. In addition to gathering information from you and your child, the clinician will make observations on how your child presents during the session.
We complete all of our appointments online. There are many benefits to online assessments, including reduced change of routine, children can access their appointment in their own environment, reduced communication demand with an online call, and no travel. We can provide support and strategies to help your child access their appointment online if this is something you think they will find difficult. Similarly, if you cannot access this in your own home, we can work with your child’s school to facilitate the appointment there.
We understand that your child might find it difficult to engage in the session, so they are welcome to take regular movement breaks throughout the session.
5. Feedback and Report
After the assessment sessions, the clinician will agree on an appropriate outcome for the child based on all the information and evidence from all components of the assessment as well as the diagnostic criteria from the DSM-V-TR. On occasion, we may request additional information from you, your child or their school/college to help with formulating an outcome. The clinician will arrange a phone appointment with the named contact to give the outcome, provide a summary of the overall assessment and provide suggestions for appropriate strategies or interventions that may be beneficial. A comprehensive, detailed assessment report will be shared with you within two weeks of your feedback phone call. This appointment is typically 30-45 minutes.
ADHD Assessment Packages
Full assessment (online)
£950
Includes: pre-screening questionnaires, developmental history interview, clinical observation interview, feedback session & comprehensive report with advice, strategies and recommendations.
Full assessment including QbCheck (online)
£1150
Includes pre-screening questionnaires (including school), developmental history interview, clinical observation interview, feedback session, QbCheck assessment & comprehensive report with advice, strategies and recommendations.
Start your journey
To discover more about our ADHD assessment and therapy services and to find out how we can help you today, get in touch with The Owl Centre.