An ADHD assessment can be a crucial turning point for children, young people, and families who are seeking answers, support, and a clearer understanding of behaviours that may have been misunderstood for years. But one common question we hear is: “Who is actually qualified to assess for ADHD?”

It’s a very important question and the answer matters. A high-quality, accurate assessment should not only follow clinical best practice but also feel personal, supportive, and empowering for the individual and their family.

 

What Do the NICE Guidelines Say?

In the UK, ADHD assessments are guided by the NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines, which ensure consistency and safety in care. According to these guidelines (NG87, 2018), ADHD should only be diagnosed by a specialist in the field of neurodevelopment, this includes:

• Paediatricians
• Psychiatrists
• Specialist ADHD nurses
• Clinical Psychologists or other appropriately trained mental health professionals

These professionals must be trained and experienced in diagnosing ADHD and in differentiating it from other possible explanations for the behaviours or difficulties being experienced.

Importantly, the NICE guidelines also encourage a comprehensive, multi-informant assessment, which includes gathering information from schools, families, and observing the child in different contexts. It should never be based on one single test or checklist alone.

 

Our Multidisciplinary Team at MakeWell

At MakeWell, we’ve built a team that not only meets but exceeds the requirements of the NICE guidelines. We believe that ADHD assessments deserve time, care, and the insight that comes from a multi-professional, patient-centred approach.

Our team includes:

• Consultant Psychiatrist who brings deep clinical expertise in the medical aspects of ADHD and other co-occurring neurodevelopmental conditions.
• Clinical Psychologists, who offer insight into cognitive, emotional, and behavioural profiles and help differentiate between ADHD and other factors (such as trauma, learning needs, or anxiety).
• Specialist Nurses, Social Workers and Mental Health Practitioners, trained in ADHD, who support both the assessment process and ongoing care planning.
• Family Support Workers, who support families throughout the process and help with understanding the emotional and relational impacts of a possible diagnosis.

This breadth of expertise allows us to see each patient as a whole person, not just a set of symptoms.

 

Why a Multidisciplinary Approach Matters

ADHD rarely exists in a vacuum. It often overlaps with other areas such as anxiety, sensory processing challenges, learning differences, or emotional regulation difficulties. That’s why having a range of professionals involved, who can each bring their lens, leads to a much more accurate and compassionate understanding.

Our collaborative process means families don’t need to repeat their story multiple times. We share knowledge behind the scenes, review findings together, and build a joined-up picture of the person’s strengths and needs.

 

Compassionate, High-Quality Care You Can Trust

At MakeWell, we take our role seriously. An ADHD assessment can have a lifelong impact, and it’s essential that it’s done thoroughly, ethically, and with kindness. Whether we’re confirming a diagnosis or exploring other possible explanations, our priority is always the wellbeing of the child, young person, adult or family in front of us.

If you’re considering an ADHD assessment and want to learn more about our process, feel free to reach out. We’re always happy to talk you through what to expect and how we can help.

Learn more about our team and our approach to assessments HERE