ADHD assessments for children.
Helping every child thrive through understanding and support.
At Oakdale, we understand that every child is unique.
Our ADHD assessments for children and young people aged 6 to 17 are personalised and thorough, helping each child grow in confidence and access the right support for their needs.
We offer both NHS and privately funded options.
Why families choose O Oakdale.
We value neurodiversity
We celebrate differences and take time to truly understand how your child’s brain works.
A highly experienced team of clinicians
Our teams include Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Speech and Language Therapists, Clinical Nurse Specialists and more, all specialising in children’s neurodevelopmental assessment.
NICE compliant
Every assessment follows NICE guidelines and is tailored to your child’s needs.
Clear, detailed reports
You'll receive a clear, professional written report setting out your assessment findings and our recommendations.You’ll receive a professional written report.
Post-diagnostic support included
We stay with you beyond the assessment, offering follow-up guidance and helpful resources.
Fast access, minimal wait
Self-funded clients can access assessments sooner, avoiding the longer NHS waiting lists.
What to expect.
A clear, supportive journey - from first referral to ongoing care.
Discover
Understand
Support
Referral and information gathering
Share background information, school reports, and complete questionnaires. Where applicable, education settings may be contacted for additional insight.
Parent or carer conversations
A virtual appointment to discuss your child’s development, strengths and any concerns.
Assessment appointment
The observation part of an ADHD assessment can be online or in-person and is tailored to the individual. Depending on age and presentation, this may involve structured interviews, attention-based tasks, or play-based observation.
Clinical team review
Our clinical team reviews all gathered information, considering DSM-V criteria and co-occurring needs.
Written report
You’ll receive a detailed report summarising the outcome, findings, and next steps.
Feedback appointment
There is an opportunity to speak to the assessor who can further explain the assessment outcome, answer questions and discuss recommendations.
Specialist insight.
Our team can identify subtle behaviours, including masking, to ensure accurate assessment.
We look beyond surface traits to consider overlapping profiles, co-occurring needs, and other factors that may help explain a person’s experiences.
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Children and young people’s client guide
Download our guide to understand the assessment process, what to expect, and how we support children and young people.
Preparing your child
We understand that assessments can sometimes feel overwhelming, for children, young people and families alike.
To help, we can provide:
- Visual guides and social stories before appointments
- Support for children who do not attend school
When you talk to your child about their assessment, keeping things simple, positive and reassuring can help.
You might like to say something like:
“We’re going to meet some people who help us understand how your brain works - what makes it strong and special.”
“Everyone’s brain is different. Some brains need different things to help them grow and learn.”
“The assessment will help us find out what your brain needs, so we can make sure you get the right support.”
You know your child or young person best, so feel free to adapt these ideas to suit their age, understanding, and personality.
Spread the cost or pay in full. Your choice.
For self-funded clients only.
At Oakdale, we believe that every child and family should have the opportunity to access the support they need. To help make this possible, we offer flexible installment payment options, allowing the cost of an assessment to be spread with confidence and peace of mind.
Every assessment is personalised. We may use school observations, cognitive tests, questionnaires and parent or carer interviews to build a full understanding of your child.
| Assessment | Age | Pay in 3 instalments | Pay in full |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADHD assessment | 6-17 years | £499.66* | £1,499 |
| Combined ADHD & autism | 6-17 years | N/A | £2,499 |
*Price shown is based on selecting Klarna’s Pay in 3 instalments option. Instalment payments are available on purchases under £2,001.00.
Please see Klarna’s website for full terms and conditions.
We’ve partnered with Klarna to offer you flexible payment schedules.
You can choose to spread the cost of your assessment with 0% interest using Klarna.
Klarna will provide you with specific payment terms.
For further information or questions regarding your payment options please visit Klarna’s website.
Funding your child's ADHD assessment or treatment.
At Oakdale, we're an NHS-approved and trusted provider, offering several ways to access high-quality, evidence-based care.
Whichever route you access Oakdale through, you can expect the same trusted, neuroaffirmative approach and commitment to quality, with every assessment carried out by qualified professionals following NICE guidelines to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Self-funded
Skip the wait. Book directly with us for the quickest access and full flexibility around appointments.
Right to Choose (NHS funded)
If your GP refers you under the NHS Right to Choose pathway, your assessment and care are fully funded.
Please note: some Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) set yearly limits on funded assessments, which means waiting times can vary by area.
Other funded routes
Some people access support through their employer, local authority, or education provider. We’re happy to work with external funders to ensure continuity of care.
Ready to refer your child?
If you’ve been wondering whether ADHD could explain your child’s experiences, an assessment can bring clarity, reassurance and peace of mind - for both you and your child.
NHS Right to Choose assessments
Information on eligibility, referral, and what to expect from NHS-funded assessments.
Got a question?
Visit our FAQ page for more information about the process, costs and what to expect.
ADHD assessments for children FAQs.
Commonly asked questions.
We carry out ADHD assessments from age 6, when attention and activity differences can be reliably identified across school and home settings.
Yes. It's not unusual for us to assess children who aren't attending an education setting — we can draw on insight from other professionals who know the child, such as tutors, coaches, or therapists.
No. Our clinicians are experienced in recognising masking and use a combination of structured tools, observation, and collateral information from multiple sources to build a full and accurate picture.
It's completely normal for children to feel nervous beforehand. We can share visual guides and social stories in advance so they know what to expect, and it can help to talk together about what feels tricky at home or school. On the day, sessions feel more like conversation and activity than a test, with breaks offered and comfort items welcome.
Yes. Our reports can provide important supporting evidence for an Education, Health and Care Plan application or annual review, giving schools and local authorities detailed insight into your child's needs to help inform the right support.