For many parents, the decision to seek an ADHD assessment comes after a long period of questioning. Families who come to us are looking for a proper understanding of their child — one that helps their child make sense of themselves, and gives the whole family a clearer way forward.
ADHD is often misunderstood. Many of the qualities associated with it are genuine strengths — energy, creativity, the ability to think differently, and a passionate intensity for the things that spark their interest. But when attention, impulsivity or emotional regulation make everyday life consistently harder than it should be, those strengths can become difficult to see.
Our assessments are led by Dr Sirja van Zyl, who will be part of your journey from the first phone call to the final feedback meeting. We often hear from children that they enjoyed the process so much, they would like to come back.
We recognise ADHD as a natural form of neurodiversity — not something to be fixed or overcome. Our aim is not simply to determine whether diagnostic criteria are met, but to understand your child's individual profile — their strengths, differences and support needs — and to help them and your family make sense of what that means.
We have particular expertise in assessing children and young people whose difficulties have not previously been recognised, including:
We never base clinical decisions solely on cut-off scores. Our aim is to understand your hopes and goals for the assessment, give you honest and meaningful answers and agree a clear path forward.
The initial consultation gives us the chance to meet you, understand your child's current strengths and difficulties, and make sure a full assessment is genuinely the most helpful next step. Ahead of this meeting we invite parents and where possible school staff to complete questionnaires to help us build a picture of your child.
We begin the full assessment by meeting with parents or carers to gather a detailed developmental history using NICE-recognised assessment tools (ACE or DIVA). This helps us understand your child's development, attention, behaviour, emotional regulation and social interaction.
At the same time, your child takes part in the QbCheck — a short computer-based task that provides objective data about attention, activity and impulsivity. There are no right or wrong answers and we work carefully to help young people feel comfortable throughout.
Dr Sirja and her clinical team review all the information gathered, then meet with you to share the outcome, answer your questions and discuss next steps. A detailed written report is included — this can be shared with schools, universities, healthcare providers and NHS teams. Your report includes practical recommendations for home, school and your child's emotional wellbeing — whether or not a diagnosis is made.
We know that receiving a diagnosis — or any outcome from an assessment — is often just the beginning. We want to make sure you and your child feel supported in whatever comes next.
There is no pressure to make any decisions immediately after the assessment.
For some children and young people, medication can be an important part of ADHD support — though it is never the only option, and any decision about medication is entirely yours to make at your own pace.
Families can share our report with local NHS services and request a medication review through that route. We also work in close partnership with experienced private psychiatrists across Kent and Sussex.
We are proud to work in partnership with Dr Vibhav Shetty at mindcareconsultancy.co.uk — providing warm, highly professional and personalised guidance on medication management for children and young people with ADHD.
Families come to us for many different reasons. Some parents feel strongly that ADHD explains their child's experiences. Others simply sense that something important has been missed, without being sure what.
An assessment isn't only about reaching a diagnosis. It's about gaining practical strategies, straightforward guidance and the confidence to access the right support — whatever the outcome.
If you're not sure whether an assessment is the right step, a free initial call with Dr Sirja is a good place to start. There's no obligation — just a conversation.
If you would like to find out more or discuss whether an assessment is right for your child, a free initial call is a good place to start.
No obligation — just a conversation.For some children and young people, medication can be an important part of ADHD support - though it is never the only option, and any decision about medication is entirely yours to make at your own pace.
Families can share our report with local NHS services and request a medication review through that route. We also work in close partnership with experienced private psychiatrists across Kent and Sussex and can arrange a referral directly if you would prefer not to wait.
We are proud to work in partnership with Dr Vibhav Shetty at mindcareconsultancy.co.uk - providing warm, highly professional and personalised guidance on medication management for children and young people with ADHD.
Families come to us for many different reasons. Some parents feel strongly that ADHD explains their child's experiences. Others simply sense that something important has been missed, without being sure what.
An assessment isn't only about reaching a diagnosis. It's about gaining practical strategies, straightforward guidance and the confidence to access the right support - whatever the outcome.
If you're not sure whether an assessment is the right step, a free initial call with Dr Sirja is a good place to start. There's no obligation - just a conversation.
We know that exploring a private assessment can feel like a significant step. Our information pack is designed to give you everything you need to understand the process clearly - at your own pace, before you decide whether to get in touch.
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If you would like to find out more or discuss whether an assessment is right for you, a free initial call is a good place to start.
No obligation - just a conversation.