Understanding Your Child’s Needs
Children and adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can experience difficulties with focus, organisation, impulsivity, and emotional regulation. These challenges may affect school performance, relationships with peers, daily routines, and overall quality of life. A child ADHD assessment provides families with a clear understanding of their child’s strengths and areas where support is needed, forming the basis for practical strategies at home and school.
How Our Adolescent and Child ADHD Assessments Work
Initial Screening
Parents complete detailed questionnaires about their child’s behaviour and developmental history. Feedback from teachers or carers may also be requested.
Observation and Interview
A Clinical Psychologist conducts sessions that focus on the child, observing attention, behaviour, and emotional responses. Computerised tasks such as QbCheck may be used to measure attention and activity levels.
Parent and Family Consultation
We discuss family observations, daily routines, and any concerns to build a complete understanding of the child’s experiences.
Comprehensive Reporting and Recommendations
Following the assessment, a detailed report outlines whether the child meets diagnostic criteria for ADHD. It highlights strengths and offers strategies for home, school, and everyday life. Guidance is provided on educational planning, therapeutic support, and behavioural approaches tailored to the child’s unique profile.
Comprehensive and NICE-compliant ADHD Assessments in Kent
Recognising ADHD in Girls
ADHD often presents differently in girls, which can lead to delays in identification and support. Girls may appear quiet or socially adaptable, masking struggles that are less visible to teachers, peers, or even family. They might focus intensely on routines or social expectations, appearing to cope while experiencing stress and exhaustion internally.
These children are often labelled as shy, sensitive, or anxious, and their strengths, such as creativity and empathy, can make difficulties harder to spot. Early recognition is important, as understanding how ADHD presents in girls allows families to access strategies and support that address the child’s needs rather than perceived behaviours.
Understanding Demand Avoidance and ADHD
Some children with ADHD show behaviours linked to a Persistent Drive for Autonomy, sometimes referred to as a PDA profile. Everyday demands can feel overwhelming, triggering anxiety or stress responses. What may appear as defiance or avoidance is often a coping strategy to manage an environment that feels unpredictable or pressuring.
Children may use negotiation, distraction, humour, or withdrawal to regain a sense of control. Recognising these behaviours as part of an ADHD profile rather than labelling them ensures that support strategies are compassionate and practical. Our assessments consider these patterns within the wider context of the child’s experience, helping families understand their child and implement approaches that reduce stress and support wellbeing.
Why Choose Us for Adolescent and Child ADHD Assessments in Kent
Our clinicians have extensive experience in both NHS and private practice, specialising in adolescent and child ADHD and related neurodevelopmental conditions. Private assessments allow for timely and compassionate support for families across Kent. We follow evidence-based guidelines and adopt a neuroaffirming approach, recognising each child’s individual strengths and learning style.
Contact Us for Adolescent and Child ADHD Assessments in Kent
If you are concerned your child may have ADHD, a private assessment in Kent can provide clarity and practical guidance. Contact us today to arrange a consultation and start your child on the path to understanding and support.