ADHD tests for children in London: what the private assessment involves?
A private ADHD test for a child is a structured clinical assessment carried out by a qualified consultant, covering attention, behaviour, and cognitive function to determine whether a child meets the clinical criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. LIPS Healthcare at Battersea Power Station offers private ADHD assessments for children with no GP referral required and no CAMHS waiting list.
Our guide explains what a child ADHD assessment involves, what signs may indicate a child needs one, and how the private route in London compares to the NHS pathway.
What is an ADHD test for a child?
An ADHD test for a child is a structured assessment carried out by a specialist to find out whether your child's behaviour and attention difficulties are consistent with ADHD. There is no pass or fail. Nothing to prepare for.
The specialist gathers information from three sources: a conversation with you as the parent, direct observation of your child, and a short questionnaire completed by their school. ADHD must be present in more than one setting to be diagnosed, which is why all three matter.
ADHD is a condition that affects how a child focuses, manages impulses, and regulates energy levels. The NHS estimates it affects 2 to 5% of school-aged children in the UK (NHS, 2023).
At the end of the appointment, the clinician explains what they found, what it means for your child, and what to do next.
What are the signs that a child may need an ADHD assessment?
Most parents who ask about a child ADHD test have been worried for a while. They have often raised it with a teacher or their GP and been told to keep an eye on things. The signs worth acting on are not a bad week or normal childhood energy. They are consistent patterns that show up at home, at school, and elsewhere.
Signs that may suggest your child needs an assessment:
Struggles to stay focused on tasks or instructions, especially at school
Makes careless mistakes even when you know they are capable of better
Does not seem to listen when you speak to them directly, with no obvious reason why
Finds it hard to get organised, loses things often, or avoids anything that takes sustained effort
Cannot sit still in structured situations like lessons or mealtimes
Acts without thinking, interrupts others, or finds waiting very hard
ADHD in girls is often missed because it looks different. Girls tend to go quiet rather than act up, keep their struggles hidden, and appear distracted rather than disruptive. Many reach their teens without ever getting a diagnosis. If you are concerned about your daughter, mention it when you book so the clinician can look for this specifically.
What happens during a private ADHD assessment for a child?
A private ADHD assessment at LIPS Healthcare is a thorough, structured clinical process designed to build a complete picture of the child across different settings.
The assessment begins with a detailed parent interview. The clinician takes a full developmental history covering early milestones, family medical history, current concerns, and how long the difficulties have been present. A standardised questionnaire is completed by the parent and, where relevant, by the child's teacher. This is a clinical requirement for a valid ADHD diagnosis: symptoms must be present in more than one environment, not only at home or only at school.
The child is also seen directly by the clinician. Depending on their age, this involves structured tasks, conversation, and clinical observation. The clinician assesses attention span, impulse regulation, and activity levels in a calm, unhurried setting.
At the end of the appointment, the clinician explains their findings clearly to the parent. If ADHD is confirmed, they outline what it means and what support is available, covering behavioural strategies, school recommendations, and referral for medication review where appropriate.
Private child ADHD assessment vs NHS CAMHS: what is the difference?
The assessment itself is the same quality whether you go through the NHS or a private clinic. What is very different is how long you wait to get there.
Through the NHS, your GP needs to refer your child to CAMHS before anything can happen. Once that referral is sent, the wait begins. NHS England data shows that in 2023/24, families in many areas waited more than 18 weeks for a first CAMHS appointment, and in some parts of the country the wait was 12 to 18 months (NHS England, 2024). While you are waiting, your child is still struggling. Their school cannot put proper support in place without a diagnosis, and you are left trying to help them without knowing what you are dealing with.
At LIPS Healthcare, there is no GP referral needed and no waiting list. You book directly at lips.org.uk/paediatrics and your child's assessment is arranged within days. LIPS Healthcare is at Battersea Power Station, London SW8, easy to reach from Chelsea, Clapham, Vauxhall, Wandsworth, and across South and Central London.
If your child has been waiting long enough, this is the faster way to get them the answers and support they need.
How much does a private ADHD test cost for a child in London?
The cost of a private ADHD assessment for a child in London varies between providers depending on the depth of the assessment, the clinician's specialism, and whether a written report is included. At LIPS Healthcare, the full cost is confirmed at the point of booking. There are no hidden charges added after the appointment.
If the assessment leads to a recommendation for medication, a follow-up appointment will be needed. The clinician explains what this involves and the associated costs before you leave.
If you hold a private health insurance policy, check with your insurer before booking. Some policies include cover for child neurodevelopmental assessments. For current pricing, visit lips.org.uk/paediatric-clinic
Frequently asked questions about ADHD tests for children in London
Can a child be diagnosed with ADHD without a GP referral?
Yes. LIPS Healthcare accepts direct bookings at lips.org.uk/paediatrics with no GP referral required. Through the NHS, a referral to CAMHS from a GP is needed before any assessment can be arranged.
How long does a child ADHD assessment take?
A private ADHD assessment at LIPS Healthcare typically takes 60 to 90 minutes for the clinical appointment. The full process, including teacher questionnaire returns and the written report, takes a further one to two weeks. Time is built in at the end of the session for the clinician to explain their findings in full.
Is an ADHD test child girl assessment different from one for a boy?
The clinical framework is the same, but an experienced clinician will specifically assess for inattentive ADHD presentation, which is significantly more common in girls. Girls with ADHD are more likely to mask their difficulties, present with anxiety or low self-esteem rather than hyperactivity, and go unrecognised for years. Tell the clinician at booking that you want inattentive presentation specifically considered.
Are free online ADHD tests for children accurate?
A child ADHD test online free checklist can help parents decide whether to seek a clinical assessment, but it cannot provide a diagnosis. A valid diagnosis requires a qualified clinician drawing on information from multiple sources and settings. Online tools are a useful starting point, not a clinical endpoint.
What happens after a confirmed ADHD diagnosis for a child?
The clinician at LIPS Healthcare will discuss a personalised plan with you. This may include behavioural strategies, a formal letter supporting the child's school in applying for an Education, Health and Care plan, and referral for medication management where appropriate. You leave the appointment with a clear diagnosis and a clear next step.
Medical disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. ADHD assessment and diagnosis must be carried out by a qualified clinician. If you are concerned about your child's immediate wellbeing or mental health, contact your GP or call NHS 111.
Sources :
NHS (2023). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
NHS England (2024). Mental Health Services Monthly Statistics.