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ADHD assessment: children vs adults
An ADHD assessment has the same aim for children and adults, but the route and the information used differ. Children are usually referred via a GP, school or paediatric service, with input from parents and teachers. Adults are often self-referred or GP-referred and asked about their own history, including childhood. Only a qualified clinician can diagnose ADHD in either case. This is information, not medical advice.
Information only, not medical advice and not a diagnosis. Routes and services vary by area and change over time. Only a qualified clinician can diagnose ADHD. Confirm the current arrangements with the relevant service.
Children vs adults at a glance
| Factor | Children | Adults |
|---|---|---|
| How referral starts | Often via GP, school or a paediatric service | Often GP referral or self-referral, including Right to Choose in England |
| Who assesses | Commonly a paediatrician or child mental health service | An appropriately qualified clinician, such as a psychiatrist or specialist |
| Information used | Often includes reports from parents and teachers | Your own account of past and present difficulties, sometimes with others |
| Private option | Available, but check provider and aftercare carefully | Widely available; consider shared care for any medication |
| Who can diagnose | A qualified clinician only | A qualified clinician only |
This table is a general guide. Services, eligibility and routes vary by area and change over time. Confirm the current position with the relevant NHS service or provider.
What stays the same
In both cases, ADHD is assessed by a qualified clinician who looks at how persistent and impactful difficulties are, not at a single trait or a quiz score. Diagnosis is always a clinical decision, never something an online tool can provide. See why online tests cannot diagnose.
If you are an adult seeking assessment
Our guide to getting an ADHD assessment covers the adult routes, Right to Choose explains the England-only NHS option, and ADHD symptoms in adults helps you decide whether to seek one. If a diagnosis was missed earlier in life, ADHD in women explains why that is common.
Frequently asked questions
Is an ADHD assessment different for children and adults?
The core aim is the same, to assess whether ADHD is present, but the route and the information used differ. Children are usually referred through a GP, school or paediatric service, and information often comes from parents and teachers. Adults are often self-referred or GP-referred and asked about their own history. Only a qualified clinician can diagnose ADHD in either case.
Who carries out the assessment?
For children, this is often a paediatrician or child mental health service; for adults, an appropriately qualified clinician such as a psychiatrist or specialist. The exact arrangements depend on the service and the route. Check who would assess you or your child before booking.
Can an adult be diagnosed if it was missed in childhood?
Yes. Many adults are assessed and diagnosed having not been picked up as children. A clinician will usually explore your history as well as current difficulties. Doing well earlier in life does not rule ADHD out.
Which routes are available?
For adults in England, options include the standard NHS route, NHS Right to Choose, and private assessment. Children are usually referred through the NHS via a GP, school or paediatric service. Our assessment guide covers the adult routes in detail.
Editor, ADHD Helper
Oliver leads ADHD Helper's editorial coverage of adult ADHD. He researches and writes the plain-English explainers on getting an ADHD assessment through NHS Right to Choose or privately, and on the products and tools people use to manage ADHD, drawing on guidance from the NHS, NICE and the Royal College of Psychiatrists. He is clear that the site is information, not medical advice, and that diagnosis is for a registered clinician.
Last reviewed: 8 June 2026