Child and Teen ADHD Assessment

Our ADHD assessment team includes Dr Tamasine Black (Lead Psychologist) and members of our Clinical Psychology team. All members of the team are additionally trained in ADHD assessment and diagnosis.  They are registered with their professional bodies with enhanced DBS checks. 

An initial phone call with Dr Tamasine Black is offered on Tuesdays between 10am and Midday.  These are offered as part of a call list whereby Dr Tamasine Black will call you between these times.   This is a relaxed, informal brief phone call whereby any questions can be answered, and any adaptations you or your child may need from the appointment are noted.

Checklists are sent to you for your completion, and your child as appropriate,  and to forward to your child’s school for the adult who knows your child best to fill in. 

You and your child will be invited into our clinic for assessment, where your child will complete the QB Check, and other activities as the psychologist feels appropriate including working memory and processing assessment, as well as some questions about ADHD symptoms.    Our clinic is based on a farm in a converted dairy, light filled and welcoming where children and young people are able to relax.  Freddie, our gentle and loving service dog, is usually in the room at our Hambledon clinic, and he helps break the ice. A voice recording will be made for effective safeguarding and supervision purposes.

A substantial and comprehensive report is issued in the weeks after the clinic appointment to allow time for our team to meet and for any additional relevant information to be gathered.

Along with a clear diagnosis and executive summary, this report also gives a clear and detailed analysis of your child’s strengths and needs along with recommended strategies, support and guidance for ongoing support as necessary. 

We follow all NICE guidelines and DSM 5 criteria.  According to NICE, the gold standard for ADHD assessment is when a multi-professional team carries out a combination of neurodevelopmental interviews, observational and computerised assessments, which is what we provide.

We are not a prescribing service, however we are able to liaise with prescribing psychiatrists who can  support (this a separate cost).  Our assessments and reports are robust and meet all NICE guidelines criteria, which means psychiatrists who initiate medication are able to use our reports.   The NICE guidance for ADHD prescribing specifies that initiation should be with a specialist, and then transferred to a shared care plan with primary care.

We offer continued psychoeducation in the form of single or ongoing 50-minute sessions with our Lead Psychologist, Dr Tamasine Black, or a member of our Clinical Psychology team, depending on availability.   Psychoeducation is an evidence-based therapeutic intervention for clients that provides information and support to better understand and cope with ADHD.  These are charged separately at £120per session.

We can combine and add any of our assessments or our ongoing support sessions.

As we are not a crisis service, we are unfortunately unable to offer assessment of mental illnesses including bipolar disorder, psychosis, an established eating disorder or in cases where there is extensive self-harm or suicidal ideation. 

We are not a mental health crisis service so if you have immediate concerns about your child or young person’s wellbeing, please contact the emergency services or your local NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service crisis telephone line. 

Other useful organisations include:

Childline: 0800 1111 https://www.childline.org.uk/get-support/contacting-childline/ 

Samaritans: 116 123 or text “Shout” to 85258.

We adhere to the guidelines and standards required for our report to be used in a range of settings, including CAMHS.

The diagnostic report needs to evidence compliance with the NICE guidelines:

“ADHD is a valid clinical disorder that can be distinguished from coexisting conditions (although it is most commonly comorbid) and the normal spectrum. ADHD differs from the normal spectrum because there are high levels of hyperactivity/impulsivity and/or inattention that result in significant psychological, social and/or educational or occupational impairment that occurs across multiple domains and settings and persists over time.”

The report needs to be from a Consultant Psychiatrist, Paediatrician or another appropriate clinician who is qualified to make a diagnosis. Within the report, there must be evidence of hyperactivity, concentration difficulties and impulsivity with evidence of pervasiveness, i.e. seen in a variety of settings such as home, school and social settings.

The evidence should include:

1. A full clinical and psychosocial assessment of the person – this should include a discussion about behaviour and symptoms in the different domains and settings of the person’s everyday life
2. Connors forms or SNAP IV – these are not diagnostic tools in themselves but serve as an addition to formulation
3. Symptom history in different domains (home and school)
4. Clinical or school observation
5. Mental state examination
6. Detailed developmental and psychiatric history to include:

• Genogram
• Family health/social history
• Any trauma history
• Pregnancy and birth
• Acquisition of developmental milestones
• Childhood illnesses
• Communication
• Relationship with peers and adults
• Attachment
• Eating and sleeping
• Educational history
• Social and emotions skills
• Routines and attitude to change
• Co-morbid conditions

7. Schools information to include:

• Report on behaviour in school
• Academic ability
• Any learning difficulties
• Peer relationships
• Communication difficulties
• Sensory issues observed within the school environment
• Inventions currently being offered or previously tried