ADHD ASSESSMENT / NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
Quick answer
A child-focused ADHD assessment normally considers development, home and school evidence, functioning across settings and possible alternative explanations. A diagnosis does not make medication automatic, and a private prescription may create separate follow-up and cost considerations.
NHS and private routes
NHS routes are free but referral arrangements and waiting times differ by age and locality. Private providers charge fees and may work in person or remotely. Ask whether the service assesses children of your child’s age and what happens if another condition or support need is identified.
Children and adult services
This page focuses on children and young people. Adult ADHD services use different pathways, evidence and prescribing arrangements. For an older teenager approaching transition, ask who will provide follow-up after the child reaches the provider’s age limit.
What the assessment may involve
The clinician may take a developmental and medical history, gather parent and school questionnaires, review reports, speak with the young person and consider attention, activity, impulsivity and functioning in more than one setting. Good assessment also considers sleep, anxiety, learning, trauma and other explanations.
Clinical qualifications
Ask who makes the diagnosis, their professional registration and experience assessing children. If medication might later be discussed, clarify whether the service includes an appropriately qualified prescriber and whether assessment and prescribing are delivered by the same organisation.
Why school evidence matters
ADHD assessment usually needs information about functioning beyond home. Ask what evidence is required from the teacher or SENCO, what happens during holidays or if school cannot respond promptly, and whether existing school reports can be used.
Medication is a separate decision
Medication is not automatic after diagnosis. It requires an individual clinical discussion of possible benefits, risks, health history and monitoring. Families should not be pressured to choose medication, and educational support should not depend on taking it.
Prescribing and follow-up
Ask who handles baseline checks, dose adjustment, side-effect monitoring and reviews; what each stage costs; and what happens if the NHS GP does not enter a shared-care arrangement. Never assume an NHS prescription will follow a private diagnosis.
What is included in fees?
Confirm whether fees cover questionnaires, school liaison, appointments, diagnostic report, feedback, prescription appointments, medication charges and follow-up. Ask about cancellation terms and additional charges. Costs vary widely, so this page does not invent a range.
Questions before booking
Ask how the service follows recognised guidance, what happens if ADHD is not diagnosed, how co-occurring needs are considered, whether the report contains practical school recommendations and how records are shared with the GP, school or NHS service with consent.
Northamptonshire-specific information
North Northamptonshire route
North Northamptonshire public pathways and referral arrangements can differ from West Northamptonshire and may change by age. Families around Kettering, Corby, Wellingborough and Rushden should check current NHS and Local Offer information before comparing private options.
West Northamptonshire route
Families around Northampton, Daventry, Towcester and Brackley should check current West Northamptonshire and NHS pathways. Private provider coverage, in-person locations and prescribing follow-up may not be identical across the county.
Useful official and free resources
External free resource
NHS ADHD information
Official information about ADHD, assessment and treatment.
External free resource
NICE ADHD guidance
National clinical guidance for diagnosis and management.
External free resource
GMC medical register
Check the registration of medical practitioners.
Related SEND Lantern guidance
Find ADHD Assessment Support
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Independent guidance for families
SEND Lantern is an independent guidance platform operated by SEND Lantern Ltd. We help families explore special educational needs and disabilities support, possible next steps and relevant services. SEND Lantern is not part of the NHS, a local authority, a school or any individual service provider. Information on this website is general guidance and should not be treated as medical, legal or educational advice.