Private ADHD assessments for children aged 6+
When something feels unclear about how your child is experiencing the world, it can be hard to know where to start. You don’t need to have it figured out before speaking to us.
Our private ADHD assessments for children and young people aged 6+ are delivered online by experienced clinicians who take the time to understand your child as a whole person. This includes how they manage attention, activity levels, emotions and everyday routines.
Whatever the outcome, our team can help with practical recommendations for home, school and everyday life.
Understanding your child’s ADHD needs
You may have noticed differences with attention, activity levels, emotional regulation, organisation or everyday routines.
Your child may be finding school, home life, friendships or transitions harder than expected. They may seem capable, but inconsistent. Or they may appear to cope at school, then struggle more at home.
An ADHD assessment can help build a clearer picture of your child’s strengths, challenges and support needs.
ADHD does not always look obvious
ADHD is not always easy to spot. It can look different from child to child.
Some children are visibly restless or impulsive. Others may be quiet, forgetful, emotionally overwhelmed or easily distracted, or simply exhausted from trying to keep up.
A good ADHD assessment looks beyond first impressions and builds a full picture of how your child experiences home, school and everyday life.
When a private ADHD assessment for children may help
A private ADHD assessment may be helpful if your child:
- finds it hard to concentrate, listen or stay on task
- is easily distracted, forgetful or often loses things
- struggles with routines, organisation or transitions
- acts impulsively or finds it hard to pause
- seems restless, fidgety or constantly “on the go”
- has strong emotional reactions
- masks difficulties at school and struggles more at home
These signs do not automatically mean your child has ADHD. But if they are affecting confidence, learning, wellbeing or family life, an assessment may help you understand what is going on.
Could it be ADHD, autism or something else?
Children’s experiences are rarely shaped by one thing alone. Difficulties with attention, emotions or school life can sometimes sit alongside anxiety, sensory differences, communication differences, learning needs or autism. At Melios, clinicians look at the wider picture. Sometimes an ADHD assessment confirms ADHD. Sometimes it highlights other needs or areas where further support may help.
If you are unsure which assessment is right, a free consultation can help you talk through your concerns.
What happens in a private ADHD assessment for children?
A Melios ADHD assessment looks at your child’s experiences across home, school and everyday life.
The assessment usually includes:
- a parent or carer appointment
- a clinical ADHD assessment appointment
- questionnaires and school information
- clear guidance through each stage
Your clinician will explain what is needed, what happens next and how to prepare, so nothing comes as a suprise.
Online ADHD assessments from home
Melios assessments are delivered online through a secure digital platform.Many children feel more comfortable joining from home, with familiar items nearby and a parent or carer close by where appropriate.
We can help by:
- explaining what will happen before the appointment
- using child-friendly language
- allowing breaks where needed
- offering guidance on setting up a quiet space
- discussing practical adjustments if online appointments feel difficult
How an ADHD assessment can help
A private ADHD assessment can help families:
- understand whether ADHD may be contributing to what they’re noticing
- make sense of behaviours or emotional patterns
- recognise strengths as well as support needs
- identify practical strategies for home and school
- feel clearer about possible next steps
An assessment does not always lead to an ADHD diagnosis. Even when ADHD is not identified, the process can still give families valuable insight and guidance.
What your report will include
After the assessment, you will receive a written clinical report.
Your report will usually include:
- the assessment outcome and what it means for your child
- a summary of the information considered
- insight into your child’s strengths and support needs
- practical recommendations for home, school and daily routines
- signposting to further support where appropriate
A feedback appointment is also part of the process, giving you time to talk through the outcome and recommendations with your clinician.
There is support beyond the assessment
An assessment can bring clarity, but it can also raise new questions.
Where appropriate, Melios can support families after assessment with:
- emotional regulation support
- strategies for attention, organisation and executive functioning
- support with school life and transitions
- anxiety and wellbeing support
- parent and carer sessions
- psychoeducation around ADHD and neurodevelopmental differences
Support is tailored to your child’s needs and can help families feel more confident about what to do next.
ADHD medication support for children
Private medication support is available for children and young people where clinically appropriate.
This is only available following an ADHD assessment through Healios or Melios. Medication is not recommended for every child and would always be considered as part of a wider support plan.
If medication is being considered, your child will have a review with a qualified prescribing clinician.
A private pathway connected to Healios clinical experience
Melios is the dedicated private service within the wider Healios group.
Healios and Melios share the same clinical foundations – experienced multidisciplinary teams, clinical governance, safeguarding and evidence-based neurodevelopmental care.
For families looking for greater flexibility or more direct access to assessment and support, Melios provides a private route backed by over a decade of experience.
Accessing Melios through work or insurance?
If your assessment or support is funded by your employer, insurer or another partner, please use the dedicated link they provided rather than booking directly through this website.
If you are booking through BUPA, please follow the dedicated booking link below.
Not sure which route applies? Contact us and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Child ADHD assessment FAQs
What is a private ADHD assessment for children?
A private ADHD assessment for children helps families understand whether ADHD may be contributing to difficulties with attention, impulsivity, activity levels, emotional regulation, organisation or everyday routines.
The assessment also looks at your child’s strengths, support needs and experiences across home and school.
What age children does Melios assess for ADHD?
Melios provides private ADHD assessments for children aged 6+ and young people.
Can ADHD be missed if my child is quiet or inattentive?
Yes. ADHD does not always look like obvious hyperactivity.
Some children are quiet, anxious, dreamy, forgetful or easily overwhelmed. They may work hard to mask difficulties at school and then struggle more at home.
A good ADHD assessment looks beyond stereotypes and considers the whole child.
Will school information be needed?
Usually, yes. School information helps clinicians understand how your child manages in a different setting.
Schools may be asked to complete questionnaires or share information about attention, organisation, emotional regulation and classroom functioning.
We understand that some young people do not attend school or their access to learning and education may be different. Please be reassured that our clinical team can work with you to ensure we have information from appropriate informants, and this does not mean you cannot access our service.
Will I be involved in my child’s ADHD assessment?
Yes. Parents and carers play a central role.
You will be asked about your child’s development, strengths, challenges, routines, school experiences and emotional wellbeing.
What happens after my child’s ADHD assessment?
You will receive a written clinical report and a feedback appointment.
The report explains the outcome, including whether your child meets the criteria for a formal ADHD diagnosis, and is based on recognised clinical guidance, including NICE guidelines. It summarises the information considered and gives practical recommendations for home, school and everyday life.
Depending on your child’s needs, we can also offer additional services to support them further, such as Post-Assessment Support or our ADHD Medication service.
Can Melios help if I am not sure whether it is ADHD, autism or both?
Yes. Many families come to us unsure whether their child’s experiences may relate to ADHD, autism, anxiety, sensory differences or something else.
A free consultation can help you discuss your concerns and explore the most appropriate assessment route.
Are child ADHD assessments completed online?
Yes. Melios ADHD assessments are completed online through a secure digital platform.
Your child can attend from home, and practical adjustments can be discussed in advance where needed.
For general information about ADHD in children and young people, you can also visit the NHS ADHD information page.
Talk to Melios about your child’s ADHD assessment
You don’t have to work out the next step alone.
A free consultation gives you the space to talk things through, ask questions and explore whether a private ADHD assessment might be right for your child.
There is no pressure to commit to anything. The aim is simply to help you feel clearer, more informed and more confident about what comes next.