In the UK, an ADHD diagnosis for a child can only be made by a specialist — usually a consultant paediatrician, child psychiatrist, or an appropriately qualified specialist in a neurodevelopmental service. GPs cannot diagnose, but they are the gateway to almost every route.
The assessment pathway, stage by stage
Names of services vary by area, but the sequence is broadly consistent.
- 1
1. Gather evidence
A written screening profile, examples from home, and school observations. The stronger this is, the smoother the referral.
- 2
2. GP appointment
Ask directly for a referral for ADHD assessment. Take your notes; ask what the local pathway is and roughly how long it takes.
- 3
3. Referral and triage
The service reviews the referral and may request teacher rating scales before offering an appointment.
- 4
4. Assessment appointments
Developmental history from birth, symptom review against diagnostic criteria, school information, and direct time with your child. Often more than one appointment.
- 5
5. Ruling in and out
Sleep, hearing, vision, anxiety, mood, learning difficulties and autism are all considered.
- 6
6. Outcome and plan
A written report, a diagnosis or explanation, and a plan that may include school support, parent training and — where appropriate — medication.
What good practice looks like
The NICE guideline on ADHD diagnosis and management (NG87) sets the standard: a full clinical and psychosocial assessment, developmental and psychiatric history, information from more than one setting, and consideration of co-occurring conditions. A single questionnaire is not an assessment.
NHS or private?
| NHS route | Private route | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free at the point of use | Paid, varies by provider — ask for a full written quote |
| Waiting time | Often long; varies widely by area | Usually weeks rather than months |
| Who assesses | Paediatrician or CAMHS specialist | Independent specialist — check registration |
| Medication | Prescribed and monitored within the service | Usually initiated privately; ongoing NHS prescribing needs a shared-care agreement |
| School recognition | Recognised | Recognised, provided the report is from a suitably qualified clinician |
Checks before booking privately
- The assessing clinician is registered with the GMC or HCPC, and works with children.
- The assessment follows NICE guidance and includes school information.
- You receive a full written report you can share with school and your GP.
- You know in advance what follow-up, medication titration and review cost.
- You have asked your GP whether they will enter a shared-care agreement.
Frequently asked questions
- Can my GP diagnose ADHD?
- No. A GP can refer, support and prescribe under a shared-care agreement, but the diagnosis must come from a specialist.
- Do I need school involvement?
- In practice, yes. Information from at least one setting outside the home is a core part of a guideline-compliant assessment.
- Will a private diagnosis be accepted by the NHS and school?
- A report from a suitably qualified, registered specialist is normally accepted, but ongoing NHS prescribing depends on local shared-care arrangements.
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