ADHD Assessment for Children in Kent: NHS, Private, and What Comes Next

1. What Is ADHD and How Is It Diagnosed in Children?

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, impulse control, and activity levels. It is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions in children — affecting roughly 3–5% of school-aged children in the UK — yet it remains widely misunderstood and underdiagnosed in certain groups.

Diagnosis in the UK follows NICE guideline NG87, which requires a comprehensive assessment by a specialist — typically a paediatrician, child psychiatrist, or clinical psychologist. There are three recognised presentations:

• Predominantly inattentive: Difficulty sustaining focus, easily distracted, forgetful, loses things, struggles to follow instructions through
• Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive: Fidgety, difficulty sitting still, acts without thinking, interrupts, difficulty waiting
• Combined presentation: Both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive features

2. The NHS Pathway in Kent

In Kent, ADHD assessments for children are typically carried out through one of two NHS routes:

Kent and Medway children and young people's service

Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust now runs the ADHD assessment service that transferred from NELFT on 1 April 2026. Use its current ADHD assessment page for criteria and contacts. Ask what stage any quoted wait covers rather than relying on a countywide number.

Community paediatrics

Referral routes vary. Community paediatrics may be involved for some children, depending on age, area, presentation and local criteria. Ask the referrer which service is responsible and what stage any current wait estimate covers.

Right to Choose

England's NHS patient-choice rules may apply to some first outpatient referrals, subject to the service, contract and exclusions. Ask the GP: "Does this referral qualify for patient choice, which providers are currently commissioned, and what does each pathway cover?" Check current provider waits directly; an alternative route does not guarantee a shorter wait.

3. Private ADHD Assessment — Is It Worth It?

Given NHS waiting times, many Kent families are weighing up private assessment. Here is an honest breakdown:

What does a private ADHD assessment cost?

Private ADHD assessments for children in Kent and south-east England typically cost £800–£2,000 depending on the provider and the depth of assessment. This usually includes:

• Clinical interview with parent and child
• Standardised rating scales (completed by parents and school)
• Observations or cognitive testing (varies by provider)
• Written report with diagnosis (or exclusion of diagnosis) and recommendations

Is a private diagnosis valid?

Yes. A private ADHD diagnosis from a qualified clinician is valid for:

• School SEND support plans
• EHC needs assessment requests and EHCP applications
• Exam access arrangements (extended time, reader, scribe)
• Any support or provision that is based on evidenced need

Schools and local authorities cannot dismiss a private diagnosis. If they attempt to do so, contact IPSEA for advice.

The medication caveat

One important limitation: the NHS may not prescribe ADHD medication solely on the basis of a private diagnosis. "Shared care" arrangements — where the GP prescribes medication recommended by a private clinician — vary by GP practice and CCG/ICB area. Ask the private provider upfront about their approach to medication and shared care, particularly in Kent. This does not affect the validity of the diagnosis for educational purposes.

What to look for in a private assessor

• Accreditation with the British Psychological Society (BPS) or Royal College of Psychiatrists
• Specific experience assessing children (not just adults)
• A written report that includes specific, actionable recommendations for school
• Willingness to liaise with school or the LA if needed

Our directory lists ADHD-specialist providers in and near Kent. See our ADHD Centre Kent listing and the broader psychology directory for options.

4. What Changes at School After a Diagnosis?

An ADHD diagnosis opens doors — but it does not automatically mean everything changes overnight. Here is a realistic picture.

Reasonable adjustments (Equality Act 2010)

Under the Equality Act 2010, ADHD is likely to constitute a disability (it is a long-term condition with substantial impact on day-to-day activities). Schools have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments to avoid substantial disadvantage. Importantly, this duty exists regardless of whether a formal diagnosis is in place — if the school knows a pupil has difficulties consistent with ADHD, they should already be adjusting.

Typical reasonable adjustments for ADHD include:

• Movement breaks during lessons
• Preferential seating away from distractions (near the front, away from doors or windows)
• Instructions broken into smaller steps, with written prompts
• Reduced written tasks or alternative recording methods (typing, voice recording)
• Extended time on tests and exams
• A key adult the child can go to when overwhelmed
• Flexibility with transitions and change of activity

SEN Support

A diagnosis strengthens the case for being placed on the school's SEN register and receiving a formal SEN Support plan. This is not an EHCP — it is the school's own commitment to adjusted provision, funded from the school's budget. For many children with ADHD it is sufficient; for others, an EHCP is needed.

Exam access arrangements

A private ADHD assessment report that includes specific recommendations for exam access (e.g., 25% extra time, use of a word processor) is typically all that is needed for the school to apply to the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) for access arrangements at GCSE and A-level.

5. ADHD and EHCPs

An ADHD diagnosis alone does not guarantee an EHCP. The legal test is need, not diagnosis. However, ADHD combined with significant learning, emotional, social, or communication difficulties is strong grounds for an EHCP application — and Kent families should not be put off applying.

When is an EHCP warranted for ADHD?

An EHCP is likely appropriate when:

• The child's ADHD significantly affects their ability to access the curriculum, despite SEN Support
• There are co-occurring needs (autism, dyslexia, anxiety, or developmental language disorder) that compound the impact
• The child is experiencing school refusal or exclusions linked to ADHD-related behaviour
• The child needs specialist input (educational psychologist, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy) that the school cannot fund from its own budget
• A specialist school or enhanced mainstream resource base would better meet the child's needs

How to apply

Use Kent County Council's current online EHC needs assessment request. Parents can request an assessment directly; include relevant school and clinical reports and describe the child's needs and the support already tried. IASK can help on 03000 41 3000.

Under the Children and Families Act 2014 and SEND Regulations, an EHC needs assessment and plan process is usually completed within 20 weeks where a plan is issued, subject to statutory exceptions. A refusal to assess carries a right of appeal. Check the decision letter and current GOV.UK route and deadlines; outcome statistics do not predict an individual case.

6. Kent-Specific Resources

7. Frequently Asked Questions