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ADHD Assessment Hub
This page will help you understand what to expect from your ADHD assessment, how to prepare, and what happens next. We know this process can feel like a big step, so our aim is to make everything as clear, supportive, and reassuring as possible.
Assessment hub contents:
About your ADHD assessment
Your assessment is a structured, clinician-led conversation designed to understand your experiences across your life. We use a recognised assessment tool called the DIVA 5 (Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults).
This is not a test you can pass or fail, it’s about building a clear picture of how ADHD may affect you. Your ADHD assessment will be with a qualified ADHD clinician and will take around 2.5hrs. You are welcome to bring a partner, family member, or supporter, if this helps you feel more comfortable or provides additional insight.
The DIVA 5 assesment tool explores:
Attention, focus and organisation
Hyperactivity and restlessness
Impulsivity and decision-making
How these have affected you in childhood and adulthood
What happens during the assessment?
Your clinician will guide you through a structured but flexible conversation, including:
- Your current day-to-day experiences
- Your childhood development and school years
- Work, education and relationships
- Your health and wellbeing
- Any coping strategies you’ve developed
Be honest about what feels familiar or challenging. You won’t need to remember everything perfectly. If you’re unsure, you can simply say so, estimates and examples are absolutely fine.
How to prepare for your assessment
Gather useful information
If available, bring or review:
- School reports or academic records. Academic records or reports noting focus, organisation or behavioural challenges.
- Work reviews or appraisals. Work reviews, performance appraisals or notes on time-management and task-completion
- Medical or mental health records. Any past or current diagnoses (e.g. anxiety, depression) and medication histories. Clinic letters or summaries from GPs, psychiatrists or psychologists
- Previous therapy or coaching notes. Notes from CBT, coaching or occupational therapy sessions focused on ADHD or executive function.
- Information about any diagnoses or medication
Think about your experiences over time
It’s helpful to reflect on how ADHD may have shown up in different stages of your life:
- Childhood – e.g. school focus, behaviour, organisation
- Teenage years – e.g. routines, relationships, impulsivity
- Adulthood – e.g. work, daily life, responsibilities
- Current experiences – strengths and challenges
Consider additional areas
You may also be asked about:
- Family history of ADHD or mental health
- Coping strategies you’ve used
- Substance use (e.g. caffeine, alcohol)
- Risk-taking or impulsive behaviours (if relevant)]
You could also build a simple timeline (by age or school year) of key life events and observations.
Assessment requirements (remote appointments)
To help your session run smoothly:
- Use a device with a screen larger than a mobile phone
- Ensure your device is stable (not handheld)
- Sit in a quiet, private space
- Keep your camera on, showing you from the waist upwards
If you require an interpreter, this must be approved by the service in advance.
This is a supportive, non-judgmental process and you don’t need to prepare perfectly or remember everything. You can take your time and ask questions at any point. The goal is to understand you, your experiences, and how best to support you moving forward.
Frequently asked questions
We don’t provide the full list of questions in advance, as the assessment is tailored to you.
However, you now know the key areas we’ll explore (detailed above), so you can feel prepared for the assessment.
Your clinician will explore:
- Attention and concentration
- Organisation and time management
- Impulsivity and decision-making
- Emotional regulation
- Childhood behaviour and development
- Daily life, work and relationships
There are no right or wrong answers, being open and honest is what matters most.
Yes — absolutely. These are long sessions, you can ask for a break at any time and stand up, move, or take a pause whenever needed.
Yes. Your camera needs to be on throughout the assessment, so your clinician can fully engage with you and ensure a high-quality assessment.
Yes. You may bring someone for support and to make you feel more at ease. They could also offer additional insights where appropriate.
After your session:
- Your clinician reviews all the information gathered
- A diagnostic decision is made using clinical criteria
- A detailed report is written. Your report will include:
- Your assessment outcome
- A summary of your experiences
- Personalised recommendations and next steps
You’ll usually receive your outcome and report within a few weeks of your assessment.
If you’re unable to attend, please let us know at least 48 hours in advance. This allows us to offer the appointment to another patient and helps keep waiting times fair.
Please contact us on 0808 175 3608 or email [Insert Email Address].
Contact us
Admin Support Team: Available Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm to assist with bookings, general enquiries and other administrative support.
Clinical Team: Our clinicians conduct assessments and provide treatment Monday to Sunday, 9:30 am – 6:00 pm.
To get in touch with us, please call: 0808 175 3608 or email [insert email address]