Assessments for ADHD are carried out by H&F CAMHS (West London Trust) and the local Child Development Services (Cheyne).
You can talk to a GP, school SENCO or other professional working with your child to request a referral about the behaviour profile of your child and whether to explore a diagnosis.
Some things to consider:
- While waiting for a referral or assessment, find support under What support and advice are available for children and young people who have difficulties with attention and hyperactivity?
- Most support services are not contingent on a diagnosis.
- CAMHS and Cheyne assess children and young people based on their individual needs. Those with greater risks or more complex situations are prioritised.
Community Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
CAMHS help children and young people 0–18 with assessment and treatment for a range of emotional, behavioural, and mental health difficulties. For example, violent or angry behaviour, eating difficulties, low self-esteem, anxiety, obsessive or compulsive behaviour.
CAMHS will accept referrals for an ADHD diagnostic assessment for children and young people over the age of 6 with suspected ADHD or autism and no developmental delay. This means the child is meeting milestones including walking or talking at expected age ranges.
CAMHS also see children already open to specialist CAMHS for autism assessment.
Professionals across health, social care, education, youth justice, and youth services can refer to CAMHS via Referrals | West London NHS Trust
Cheyne Child Development and Neurodisability Service
Cheyne is a specialist, family-centred service based at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. It supports children and young people (from birth to 18 years) with a wide range of neurodevelopmental and neurodisability needs.
Cheyne will accept referrals for an ADHD diagnostic assessment for children with suspected autism who do not have significant mental health needs. They also accept referrals where there is developmental delay. This means the child is not meeting milestones including walking or talking at expected age ranges) or established autism.
See Cheyne Child Development Service | Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.