Evidence based ADHD assessments for adults and children
A private ADHD assessment that is NHS-recognised can offer clarity and reassurance. At MCTS, our experienced clinicians look beyond a checklist to understand the whole person. Our ADHD assessments are grounded in evidence, delivered with care, and focused on helping you move forward with confidence, understanding and practical support.
Whether you’re an adult wondering why life feels harder than it should, or a parent seeking answers for your child, the path to understanding ADHD can feel daunting. Difficulties with focus, organisation, emotions or relationships can be exhausting – especially when you don’t yet understand why they’re happening. Long waiting lists, conflicting information and uncertainty can leave many people feeling stuck.
Why choose MCTS
Receiving the right ADHD diagnosis, done properly, matters. We understand there are many private ADHD providers, and it can be difficult to know who to trust. While some services offer lower-cost assessments, reports that do not follow NICE guidance may not be accepted by the NHS, local authorities, or employers.
We are a social enterprise, meaning we reinvest our income into improving services for the people we support, rather than maximising profit.
We are also attachment- and trauma-informed. This means we consider how early experiences may shape attention, allowing for a more compassionate, holistic understanding of each person.
Book your free consultationHow a private ADHD assessment works
From the first conversation, we aim to make the process clear, respectful and supportive.
The assessment itself is a detailed, guided discussion about your experiences – past and present. You may be invited to complete questionnaires or share information from someone who knows you well. Your clinician will move at a pace that feels manageable.
We recognise that many people have learned to mask, compensate or push through difficulties.
There are no right or wrong answers, and this is not a test. You cannot “fail” an ADHD assessment.
Free initial consultation
Our free consultation gives you the opportunity to:
- Understand the assessment pathway
- Ask any questions
- Explore whether an assessment feels like the right next step
There is no charge and no obligation to proceed. After the call, we’ll follow up so you can decide whether you’d like to move forward.
2. Full diagnostic assessment
Our private ADHD Assessments are completed by clinicians with relevant professional backgrounds (such as psychology, psychiatry, occupational therapy or mental health nursing). All information is reviewed and integrated by a qualified diagnosing clinician (psychiatrist or clinical psychologist) to ensure a robust, accurate conclusion.
Our assessments follow NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidance, which recommends two core components:
- Clinical interview and symptom assessment – Exploring current ADHD symptoms, how they present in daily life, and their impact across settings such as work, education and home.
- Developmental and functional history – Gathering detailed information about early childhood, attention and activity levels, emotional development, and long-term patterns of functioning. This is often supported by input from parents, caregivers, partners or others who know you well.
3. Outcome, report and feedback
Once the assessment is complete, we arrange a feedback session to:
- Explain the findings clearly
- Discuss whether diagnostic criteria are met
- Answer your questions
- Explore recommendations and next steps
You’ll receive a draft report to review before the final version is issued, giving you the opportunity to request clarifications or amendments.
How will the ADHD diagnosis help get the support I need?
A clear diagnosis can be a powerful tool for understanding and support. An ADHD diagnosis helps explain why certain things (such as attention, organisation, motivation or emotional regulation) have been difficult. It also highlights strengths and patterns, guiding you towards strategies that genuinely fit.
An ADHD diagnosis can give you access to…
Appropriate treatment options
A formal diagnosis is usually required to access
- Medication (if you choose this option)
- ADHD-specific psychological therapies
- Occupational therapy
- Coaching and trauma-informed support where relevant
This ensures support is targeted, not generic.
Workplace support and adjustments
With a diagnosis, you may be able to request:
- Reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act
- Workplace needs assessments
- ADHD-specific coaching or tools
This can help employers better understand how to support your success.
Educational support
For children, young people and adults in education, a diagnosis can support:
- Exam arrangements
- Learning support plans
- Access to disability or additional learning services
Validation and reduced self-blame
Many people describe diagnosis as a relief. It provides language for lifelong experiences and can reduce shame, confusion or the feeling of “not trying hard enough.”
Navigating other services
A recognised ADHD diagnosis can support access to:
- Local authority services
- Social care or mental health services
- Benefits or financial support where appropriate
What happens after the ADHD assessment?
After the assessment, we will:
- Meet with you to talk through the findings
- Provide a written report explaining what we’ve found
- If a diagnosis is made, offer advice for home, education or work
- If a diagnosis is not made, still offer tailored support recommendations
- Support you to think about next steps
The report is written with care and can be used to help access support. Whether you receive a diagnosis or not, our aim is to leave you with a better understanding of yourself and what might help.
Post-Diagnostic Support
If helpful, we can offer post-diagnostic support tailored to your needs, including:
- ADHD-informed coaching
- Psychological therapy, including CBT and trauma-informed approaches
- Occupational therapy for daily living, sensory regulation and environmental adaptations
- Speech and language therapy, where communication support is helpful
The focus is on working with ADHD thinking, not against it.
