What to Expect from an ADHD Assessment

Before Your Assessment

After booking, you’ll be asked to complete several structured forms and questionnaires in advance of your assessment.

What this includes:

  • Background information about your health and development

  • Screening questionnaires

  • A short safeguarding and suitability form

All forms should be submitted at least 48 hours before your assessment.

If forms are incomplete or submitted late, your assessment may need to be rescheduled.

For children and young people, additional information may be requested from parents, carers, or teachers.

If you require any adjustments to support you during your assessment (for example, communication preferences, breaks, or accessibility needs), please let us know in advance so we can plan appropriately.

During your Assessment

At the start of your appointment, we’ll confirm your identity (you’ll be asked to show photo ID) and review the information you’ve submitted in advance.

Your assessment is a structured clinical interview, guided by recognised diagnostic criteria. For adults, we use the DIVA-5 interview to explore how attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity may have presented in childhood and adulthood.

We’ll discuss:

  • Your current experiences and day-to-day functioning

  • Early developmental history

  • Education, work, and relationship patterns

  • Strengths as well as challenges

  • Any relevant physical or mental health history

Where appropriate, we also consider other factors that may contribute to your symptoms, ensuring a careful and balanced assessment.

There will be time for you to ask questions throughout. The appointment is collaborative, and we’ll explain each stage as we go.

After Your Assessment

At the end of your appointment, your clinician will explain their findings and, where possible, discuss whether the diagnostic criteria for ADHD are met.

In some cases, further review of information may be needed before a final outcome is confirmed. If so, we’ll explain what happens next and when you can expect an update.

You’ll receive a written report summarising the assessment, clinical reasoning, and outcome within 10 working days. With your consent, this can be shared with your GP or other relevant professionals.

If ADHD is diagnosed, we’ll discuss support options, which may include:

• Medication assessment and titration
• ADHD-focused coaching
• Practical strategies and psychoeducation
• Signposting to additional services where appropriate

If ADHD is not diagnosed, we’ll explain our reasoning clearly and outline any recommended next steps.

Still have questions?

You don’t need to have everything decided straight away. If something here feels unclear, overwhelming, or you’re not sure what applies to your situation, please get in touch.

Our team can help you understand your options and decide what’s most appropriate - without pressure to book.

Get in touch
support@cognitioncare.co.uk | 0203 818 8008