ADHD Support Services
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects focus, energy, impulse control, and organisation. It is not a behavioural problem or poor parenting, it’s a difference in how the brain processes information. ADHD can impact children and adults at home, school, work, and in relationships.
There are three main types of ADHD, though each person’s experience is unique:
Inattentive Type – challenges with attention, organisation, and following instructions.
Hyperactive-Impulsive Type – restlessness, talking a lot, acting without thinking.
Combined Type – features of both inattentiveness and hyperactivity.
ADHD Diagnosis in Children
NHS Pathway
To get an ADHD diagnosis for a child through the NHS, a referral is typically made by a GP, teacher, or school nurse to a specialist such as a paediatrician or CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services).
The process involves a full developmental history, behaviour assessments, and standardised questionnaires like the Conners Rating Scales. Observations are gathered from both home and school settings to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
Private ADHD Assessment for Children
Parents looking to avoid long NHS waiting times often choose private ADHD assessments. Private clinics offer faster appointments, comprehensive evaluations, and detailed diagnostic reports, often shared with the child’s school and GP.
Assessments typically include clinical interviews, behaviour scales, and learning history reviews.
ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
NHS Assessment for Adults
For adults, the first step is speaking with a GP about symptoms. If appropriate, the GP refers to an NHS psychiatrist for an ADHD assessment. This usually includes clinical interviews, childhood history, and diagnostic tools such as the DIVA (Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults) or ASRS questionnaires.
Right to Choose ADHD Diagnosis
Adults in England can access faster ADHD assessments via the NHS through the Right to Choose scheme. This allows patients to request a referral to an approved provider like Psychiatry UK. GPs must agree to the referral, but this route often offers significantly reduced waiting times compared to local NHS services.
Private ADHD Assessment for Adults
Many adults opt for a private ADHD diagnosis due to shorter wait times and more flexible scheduling. Private assessments include a thorough review of symptoms, standardised ADHD tests, and personal history. Clinics often provide ongoing support, including medication and therapy. Let me know if you’d like this tailored further for a specific audience (e.g. parents, adults seeking diagnosis, or healthcare professionals).
Difficulties people with ADHD may face
● Struggles in school or work due to focus and organization issues
● Low self-esteem from being misunderstood or labelled as "lazy"
● Social challenges or relationship difficulties
● Feeling overwhelmed by everyday tasks
● Anxiety or depression due to chronic stress and burnout
● Lack of support and understanding from others.
Support, structure, and understanding can make a big difference in managing these challenges. ADHD in adults is often misunderstood and can go undiagnosed for years, the support available is less than for children, with long waiting lists and limited services. It is important to remember that these are common symptoms listed above, but everybody's experience is different. Internal hyperactivity is often overlooked, and can be misdiagnosed as anxiety. Everyone may experience these things sometimes, but with ADHD, they are more frequent, more intense, and impact daily life.
How ADHD May Present
In Children
● Difficulty sitting still or staying quiet.
● Easily distracted or forgetful.
● Talking a lot or interrupting others.
● Trouble following instructions or completing tasks.
● Making careless mistakes or losing things often.
In Adults
● Chronic lateness or disorganization.
● Forgetting appointments or daily responsibilities and poor working memory.
● Feeling restless or always "on the go".
● Trouble starting or finishing tasks.
● Struggling with time management or emotional regulation.
"These traits don’t mean something is 'wrong.' They just mean your brain works differently. Sometimes, though, these differences can feel exhausting without the right support."
How Can We Help?
We offer specialised coaching and support for autistic and ADHD individuals, as well as parents navigating diagnosis and everyday challenges with their children.
Our approach includes:
✔ Helping you understand traits and patterns so they feel less confusing and more manageable.
✔ Offering practical tools for daily life (organisation, routines, emotional regulation).
✔ Supporting parents to feel confident in advocating for their child at school or with professionals.
✔ Building on strengths and passions so neurodivergence becomes a superpower, not a setback
✔ Providing a safe, non-judgemental space where you or your child can be authentically yourself.
Diagnosis Pathways
If you’re considering assessment, we can guide you through:
✔ GP referrals and NHS pathways (including 'Right to Choose' options).
✔ Understanding private assessment options
✔ What to expect from the process and how to prepare.
"Whether you’re an adult wondering if you might be autistic or have ADHD, or a parent seeking support for your child, you don’t have to navigate this alone."
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