Age and development
Behaviour is understood in relation to age, development and the situations in which it occurs.
Children & young people
Understand the child—across their whole world.
An ADHD assessment for a child or young person considers development, home, education, friendships, emotional wellbeing and the support already tried.
An ADHD assessment does not guarantee a diagnosis, medication, prescription or shared-care agreement. Please do not email medical details.
GMC-registered doctorsRelevant ADHD expertise confirmed before booking
CQC-registered serviceCare within a regulated setting
30+ years combined experienceExperienced clinician-led care
At a glance
The detail that protects the decision.
ADHD care should be careful enough to consider history, daily function, strengths, other possible explanations and the support needed next.
More than one setting
Parents or carers and school or college usually provide information because ADHD symptoms affect more than one part of life.
The child’s voice
The young person is involved in a way that fits their age, understanding, communication and preferences.
Clinical review
A pathway built around evidence and context.
The clinician brings together the person’s account, reliable supporting information, clinical expertise and recognised diagnostic and treatment standards.
The aim is an accurate, useful formulation—not a predetermined outcome.
01
Family history
The clinician asks about development, health, sleep, learning, relationships, behaviour and family context.
02
Education information
Teacher or SENCO feedback helps show strengths, needs, adjustments and patterns across the school day.
03
Overlapping needs
Autism, anxiety, trauma, sleep, hearing, learning and other developmental or health needs are considered.
04
Support plan
The outcome may include education and home strategies, further assessment, specialist care or treatment discussion.
Before you proceed
Make the scope clear.
Good preparation reduces delay, protects confidentiality and makes the clinical discussion more useful.
Have ready
- Parental-responsibility and consent information
- Developmental and medical history
- School reports, SENCO information and support already tried
- Current medicines, allergies and involved professionals
- Examples of strengths and difficulties at home, school and socially
Important limits
- The accepted age range and clinician availability are confirmed before payment
- A parent or school questionnaire cannot diagnose ADHD
- Very young children or complex needs may require another specialist pathway
- Medication is not needed or wanted by every child
- Safeguarding concerns may require proportionate information sharing
A clear route
From question to next step.
Each stage should explain what is needed, who is responsible and what remains subject to clinical review.
Check
Confirm age, location, clinical suitability and the current child pathway.
Gather
Collect secure family, school, developmental and medical information.
Meet
Complete an age-appropriate specialist assessment with the young person involved.
Plan
Discuss the outcome, support, treatment choices and who coordinates next steps.
Useful answers
The practical questions.
Clear expectations matter before assessment, treatment or transfer of care.
Does being very active mean a child has ADHD?
No. Many children are energetic or distracted, and similar difficulties can arise from sleep, anxiety, stress, learning or other developmental needs.
Does the school have to be involved?
Information from school or college is usually important because assessment considers more than one setting. Consent and practical arrangements are explained first.
Can one parent arrange the assessment?
Parental responsibility, consent, the young person’s involvement and any relevant family arrangements are checked before the pathway proceeds.
Will the assessment guarantee school support?
No. The report can explain clinical findings and recommendations, but the school or local authority makes decisions about its own support and statutory processes.
Can a GP start ADHD medicine for my child?
ADHD medicine must be started and monitored by an ADHD specialist. A GP may later prescribe only under an agreed shared-care arrangement.
ADHD pathway enquiries
Start with the service details.
Email your name, contact details and whether the enquiry concerns an adult or a child or young person. Please do not include symptoms, reports, medicines or other medical information in ordinary email; the team will explain the secure clinical route.
Allhours GP ADHD Services
Eligibility, clinician, process, current fees and continuing-care scope are confirmed before payment.
Emailinfo@allhoursgp.com
Address22 Oxford Court,
Manchester
Manchester
AssessmentSeparate specialist pathway
Official guidance used for this page:
NICE NG87: ADHD diagnosis and management ↗NHS: ADHD in children and young people ↗NHS: methylphenidate for children ↗NHS: urgent mental health help ↗
General information only. Eligibility, diagnosis and treatment depend on an individual assessment by an appropriately qualified clinician with relevant ADHD training and expertise.