Health Insights · Paediatrics
ADHD in children: recognising it and getting assessed
ADHD affects around one in twenty children. It is not caused by parenting, diet or screens, though all of those can affect how manageable it is. Diagnosis requires symptoms present before the age of 12, in more than one setting, causing genuine difficulty — which is why information from school matters as much as what happens at home.
Seek help promptly if your child
- talks about harming themselves or not wanting to be here
- is being excluded from school, or at risk of it
- is aggressive in a way that is unsafe for them or others
- has stopped eating or sleeping, or lost significant weight on medication
- shows a sudden change in behaviour that is out of character
If your child is in crisis, contact your GP urgently, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option, or go to an emergency department. Papyrus HOPELINE247 (0800 068 4141) supports under-35s and those worried about them. YoungMinds runs a parents' helpline on 0808 802 5544.
What to look for
All children are sometimes inattentive, restless or impulsive. ADHD is distinguished by how much, how consistently, and how much difficulty it causes — and by being present in more than one setting.
- Inattention — not seeming to listen, losing things constantly, careless mistakes, unable to finish tasks, easily distracted, forgetful in daily routines
- Hyperactivity — out of seat, climbing, running, unable to play quietly, always on the go, talking excessively
- Impulsivity — blurting out answers, unable to wait a turn, interrupting, acting without thinking about consequences
- Often accompanied by emotional intensity, difficulty with transitions, and friendship difficulties
The quiet child with ADHD
Predominantly inattentive ADHD often goes unnoticed for years because the child is no trouble — they daydream, drift, and are described as being in a world of their own or as not trying hard enough. Girls are disproportionately in this group. A child who is falling behind without disrupting anyone deserves the same consideration as one who is climbing the furniture.
What assessment involves
- A developmental and family history, and a detailed picture of current difficulties
- Information from school — rating scales completed by teachers are essential, since diagnosis requires symptoms in more than one setting
- Observation and interview with your child, at a level appropriate to their age
- Consideration of alternatives and coexisting conditions — autism, dyslexia, hearing problems, sleep disorders, anxiety, attachment difficulties and the effects of adversity all mimic or accompany ADHD
- Assessment of impairment across home, school and social life
Treatment for children
- Parent training and behavioural approaches are first line for children under five, and are recommended alongside other treatment for older children. This is not a criticism of your parenting — it is a specific set of techniques for a specific set of difficulties.
- School support — seating, movement breaks, task chunking, written instructions, extra time. Ask about SEN support, and about an EHCP assessment if needs are substantial.
- Medication is considered from age five where symptoms remain significantly impairing. It is effective for most children, and is started at a low dose and increased gradually.
- Monitoring is part of treatment: height, weight, appetite, sleep, pulse and blood pressure at least every six months. Growth is tracked because appetite suppression is common.
- Medication holidays are sometimes used, but should be a decision made with the specialist rather than a unilateral stop.
At home
Helps
- Short, specific instructions, one at a time, with eye contact
- Predictable routines and visual timetables
- Praising the behaviour you want, immediately and specifically
- Movement breaks before tasks needing concentration
- Protecting sleep — it affects everything else
Less helpful
- Long explanations and reasoning in the moment
- Delayed consequences, which do not connect
- Removing exercise or play as a punishment
- Elimination diets without evidence of a specific trigger
- Comparing them with siblings
Why be assessed here. NHS children's ADHD waits across London commonly exceed two years, during which school difficulties compound. We offer specialist child assessment usually within weeks, with unhurried appointments, and a full written report you can give directly to school to support SEN provision or an EHCP application. We assess for autism alongside ADHD where indicated — the two frequently coexist — and our paediatric, psychology and psychiatry teams share one clinical record.
Private child ADHD assessment in East London
If your child has long-standing difficulties with attention, activity or impulsivity that affect school and home, a structured assessment brings clarity and support. Our private paediatric team and ADHD and autism assessment service provide specialist assessment, and a private GP in East London can help you start. Diagnosis, where confirmed, is followed by a clear plan. Tower Bridge Hospital is on Whitechapel Road in East London, a short journey from Canary Wharf and the City, with same-day appointments and no referral required.
Child ADHD in London: common questions
How is childhood ADHD assessed?
Through a specialist assessment gathering information from home and school about attention, activity and impulsivity over time.
Do I need a referral?
No — you can book a private assessment directly, avoiding the long NHS waits many families face.
What support follows a diagnosis?
A clear plan that may include behavioural strategies, school support and, where appropriate, medication with monitoring.
How long is the wait?
Private assessments are usually arranged within weeks.
Child ADHD assessment in weeks, not years
Specialist-led, with a written report for school. 7 days a week.