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.
1. 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. It can:
- Reduce shame and confusion
- Alleviate 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.
Can MCTS prescribe medication?
As we are not a CQC-regulated medical provider, we do not offer medication initiation or management as a service. However, some of our clinicians are independent prescribers and may be able to issue private prescriptions within their own professional capacity. Alternatively, we can provide a detailed assessment report that you can share with your GP. Please note that GPs are not obliged to prescribe ADHD medication following a private diagnosis and may require NHS confirmation before taking over prescribing.
ADHD, autism, or both? If you’re not sure what type of assessment you need…
That’s okay. MCTS are experienced providers. We work with you to understand your symptoms and help you to understand whether you would benefit from an autism assessment, an ADHD assessment or a combined assessment.
Pricing
£2,160
Autism assessment
£1,080
ADHD assessment
£2,880
Combined Autism and ADHD Assessment
Bespoke
Complex Needs Autism and/or ADHD Assessment
As part of our social enterprise commitment, we offer an option to spread the cost over several months with Klarna.
Our combined assessments follow full NICE guidance to ensure reports are robust, ethical and widely accepted by the NHS, local authorities and education providers.
“MCTS is a great partner - providing high-quality, clearly written, and timely assessments. The team is approachable, helpful and collaborative. Assessments are comprehensive and evidence-based.”
Social Worker
ADHD Assessment FAQs
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. People with ADHD often have very busy brains, and may:
- Find it hard to concentrate on uninteresting things
- Feel restless or impulsive
- Think quickly and feel things intensely
- Struggle with waiting or following multi-step instructions
Strengths might include:
- Fast, creative thinking
- Energy, humour, and passion
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Courage to try new things
- Natural leadership or communication skills
ADHD doesn’t mean someone is “naughty” or “lazy” – it’s a different way the brain works, with both challenges and gifts.
For an ADHD diagnosis you will typically see a healthcare practitioner who is trained in conducting ADHD assessments. The assessment may include interviews, questionnaires, and sometimes observations of behaviour to evaluate symptoms. While you can get diagnosed through public healthcare systems, going private can offer faster access to experienced clinicians, as well as additional benefits like comprehensive reports, personal feedback and post-diagnostic support. ADHD private diagnosis can enable you to access the help you need, whether that be medication, therapy or another type of intervention.
Many of the things we explore – like anxiety, emotional overwhelm, attention difficulties, or social challenges – can be caused by many different things.
For example:
- Anxiety or low mood
- Learning differences
- Sensory processing needs
- Stressful life events or trauma
- Giftedness or unmet needs
That’s why we take time and care in making any diagnosis. Giving the wrong label can lead to confusion and inappropriate support.
If ADHD doesn’t seem to be the best fit for you, we will:
- Still provide clear feedback about what we do think is going on
- Offer helpful recommendations to support you
- Signpost to any additional assessment or support services
- Ensure you leave with a clearer understanding of your needs
- Our aim is always to offer understanding, not just labels
Our autism and ADHD Assessment Service operates across the South of England and we are expanding across England with a wide range of affiliates in different locations. Our assessments are comprehensive and evidence-based, ensuring the highest safe and effective care standards.
Who we work with
MCTS works with many organisations throughout England
