What is an ADHD assessment?
An ADHD assessment is a detailed clinical process that helps to understand how a child or young person focuses, manages attention, controls impulses and regulates their activity levels. The aim is to clarify whether ADHD may be present and to provide clear, evidence-based recommendations for support in everyday life and education.
At RocketEd, our ADHD assessments are comprehensive, child-centred and conducted by a medical specialist, following national best-practice guidance.
Why might someone seek an ADHD assessment?
Families often seek an assessment if they notice ongoing difficulties such as short attention span, high activity levels, impulsive behaviour, disorganisation, or emotional outbursts. These may be affecting a child’s learning, confidence, or relationships. Some families are looking for understanding and strategies; others wish to explore whether ADHD might explain the challenges they see at home or in school.
Our aim is to provide a thorough, professional and compassionate assessment that gives families clarity and a clear plan for next steps.
Who carries out the assessment?
All ADHD assessments at RocketEd are carried out in person by Dr Kristy Fenton, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. Dr Fenton is an experienced medical doctor specialising in neurodevelopmental assessment and treatment for children and young people under 18. She is a fully registered medical practitioner and has extensive experience in diagnosing and supporting ADHD and related conditions.
What does the assessment involve and how long does it take?
The ADHD assessment includes several stages:
Pre-assessment information gathering – we ask parents or carers and the child’s school to complete questionnaires and rating scales. This provides valuable background information and helps us understand how the child functions in different settings.
Clinical assessment appointment – a face-to-face session (around 90 minutes) with Dr Fenton. This includes a detailed developmental and medical history, discussion of current concerns, and exploration of how the child’s attention, activity and behaviour present at home and in school.
Information review and formulation – Dr Fenton analyses all information to reach an informed diagnostic conclusion and develop practical recommendations.
Feedback meeting – within around two weeks of the assessment (or once all information is received), you’ll meet again to discuss the outcome and next steps.
You will receive a comprehensive written report summarising the findings, diagnosis (if confirmed), and tailored recommendations for home and school. The full process usually takes two to three weeks from the main assessment appointment to the feedback meeting.
What if medication is recommended?
If the assessment confirms ADHD and medication is being considered, Dr Fenton can prescribe and monitor treatment privately as part of a three-month medication initiation package. After this period, some families wish to transfer prescribing to their GP under a shared care arrangement. However, shared care is not guaranteed, and parents should check with their GP practice first, as each practice has its own policy. If shared care cannot be arranged, Dr Fenton can continue to provide ongoing medication review and monitoring privately if preferred.
How should we prepare for the assessment?
Before the appointment, we’ll send you background questionnaires and ask for relevant information from your child’s school. This helps ensure the assessment is as accurate and efficient as possible. You can prepare your child by explaining that the appointment is about helping adults understand how they think, focus, and learn best - there are no right or wrong answers, and it’s simply a chance to talk about what helps them most.
How do we book or find out more?
If your child is under 18 and you’d like to learn more about ADHD assessment with Dr Kristy Fenton, please get in touch with our friendly team. We’ll be happy to explain the process, answer questions, and help you decide on the best next steps for your family.