Over half a million people in England are currently awaiting ADHD diagnosis on the NHS. With public services struggling to meet demand, private ADHD assessors play a critical role in providing timely diagnoses. But what does their daily life look like?

Assessor roles are both varied and fulfilling. These professionals conduct evaluations, write in-depth reports, meet with families, and provide post-diagnostic support. Let’s take a look at a typical day in the life of both ADHD assessors in a private practice.

To become an ADHD assessor, professionals typically hold an advanced master’s degree in a related field. Clinical psychologists can then specialise in ADHD.

Preparing for the Assessment

An ADHD assessor's day often begins with reviewing case notes for scheduled appointments. They look over reports from the patient or, if it’s a child diagnosis, the parents, and any additional information. ADHD assessors use standardised diagnostic tools including:

• DIVA (Diagnostic Interview for ADHD)

• Conners' Rating Scales

• ASRS (Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale)

• Continuous Performance Tests (CPT)

Next, the ADHD assessor greets the client or parent and child in the waiting area. Creating a comfortable environment matters from the outset. Building rapport quickly helps clients feel safe enough to behave naturally, which allows for accurate observation and testing.

When Evaluating a Child…

ADHD assessments with children are primarily question-led, but observation plays an equally important role. The assessor watches for indicators including:

• Fidgeting or difficulty remaining seated

• Interrupting or struggling to wait their turn

• Difficulty maintaining focus on tasks

• Impulsive responses

• Hyperactive movements

Questions explore:

• Attention span across different activities

• How impulsivity shows up at home and school

• Hyperactivity levels in various settings

• Executive function difficulties (planning, organisation, time management)

• How symptoms affect daily life and relationships

Children often give brief “yes or no” answers. To build a complete diagnostic picture, the assessor may ask the parent to join partway through to get more details.

The ADHD assessment includes reviewing:

• Academic records and teacher reports

• Developmental history

• Previous psychological or medical reports

• Family history of ADHD or related conditions

Understanding how symptoms have presented throughout the child's life helps determine whether diagnostic criteria are met. ADHD symptoms must be present across multiple settings and have existed since childhood. Sessions typically last 60 to 90 minutes.

When Evaluating an Adult…

Of course, if the assessor is evaluating an adult, they follow a different format. Their approach relies more heavily on self-reporting and exploring how symptoms have affected education, work, and relationships throughout life.

Adult ADHD assessments typically involve:

• Structured clinical interviews

• Self-report questionnaires

• Gathering collateral information from family members

• Reviewing school reports and work performance reviews

• Assessing current functional impairment

Many adults seek ADHD assessment after years of struggling without understanding why. They may have been labelled lazy, disorganised, or unmotivated. Getting a diagnosis can be neuroaffirmative while opening doors for newfound support.

Report Writing and Recommendations

After the assessment is over, the ADHD assessor writes a detailed report including:

• Observations from the assessment

• Information from parents, teachers, or other sources

• Developmental and medical history

• Whether diagnostic criteria were met

• Recommendations for support

These recommendations may include educational or workplace adjustments, referral to a psychiatrist for medication assessment, or occupational therapy or executive function coaching.

After the ADHD Assessment is Over

ADHD assessors’ job doesn’t end when they submit the report. They are available to answer questions and help with ongoing support. They know that processing any diagnosis takes time, and questions often arise once people have had space to reflect.

At Autism Services Group, we offer expert-led clinical training in ADHD assessments. We offer the gold standard in training, giving clinicians the opportunity to expand their skill-set and range with confidence.