What is ADHD?

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Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person focuses, controls impulses, and manages energy levels. It often begins in childhood and can continue into adulthood. People with ADHD may find it hard to pay attention, sit still, or complete tasks — but with the right support and treatment, they can thrive in school, work, and daily life.

ADHD presents differently from person to person. Some people struggle more with attention and organisation (sometimes called predominantly inattentive type), while others are more active and impulsive (predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type). Many experience a mix of both.

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Common symptoms include:

• Difficulty staying focused or following through on tasks
• Forgetfulness or losing things often
• Restlessness, fidgeting, or feeling “on the go”
• Acting before thinking or interrupting others
• Trouble with time management and organisation

Treatment and support

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This can include behavioural strategies, therapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication. Working with a healthcare professional can help you find the approach that best fits your needs and goals.

Understanding ADHD in Children

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Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common condition that affects how children focus, think, and manage their behaviour. It’s not caused by bad parenting or a lack of discipline — it’s a neurodevelopmental condition, meaning the brain works a little differently in areas that control attention, activity level, and impulse control.

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Children with ADHD may struggle to sit still, pay attention, follow instructions, or finish tasks — especially in settings like school or homework time. These challenges can be frustrating for both children and parents, but with understanding and the right support, children with ADHD can learn strategies to succeed and feel confident.

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Common signs of ADHD in children include:

• Difficulty staying focused or easily distracted
• Forgetting or losing things often
• Trouble following instructions or finishing homework
• Talking or moving constantly, even when asked to sit still
• Acting without thinking or interrupting others
• Emotional ups and downs or frustration with routine tasks

How parents can help:

• Stay patient and positive — children with ADHD thrive with encouragement and structure.
• Create clear routines and simple rules at home.
• Use positive reinforcement and celebrate effort, not just results.
• Work closely with teachers and healthcare professionals to build a support plan.
• Treatment may include behavioral strategies, parent training, therapy, and sometimes medication.

Remember, ADHD does not define your child. With the right understanding, support, and care, children with ADHD can develop their strengths, build confidence, and reach their full potential.

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1. Pre-assessment forms

Once your booking is confirmed, your specialist may send you the several pre-assessment forms. You'll need to fill out some prior to the appointment. Please complete these at least 24 hours before your appointment to give your specialist time to review them. Please note that the assessment cannot proceed unless both forms are received on time.

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2. Assessment & Diagnosis Appointment : £675

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Your assessment lasts between 90 and 120 minutes. First, you'll typically discuss your background—including your biographical and medical history—followed by a structured clinical interview using a validated assessment tool. During this time, you'll have the opportunity to share your concerns and experiences.

If you're diagnosed with ADHD, your specialist will confirm this verbally during the appointment and provide a detailed diagnostic report afterwards.

Remember: a diagnosis is not guaranteed—this is an objective clinical assessment based on your individual case.

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3. Treatment (if appropriate) Appointment: £225 per titration appt.

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If you receive a diagnosis, your specialist will discuss treatment options with you. These options may include:

• Medication: NHS and/or non-standard options.
• Therapy and Coaching: Additional support for managing your symptoms.
• Lifestyle Changes: Practical adjustments to improve your wellbeing.

If you choose to pursue medication, your specialist will explain the different types so you can make an informed decision. You can arrange a 30-minute titration appointment to discuss further details about medication and treatment.

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During the titration appointment, your specialist will need some basic health information—your pulse rate, blood pressure, height, and weight. In some cases, if there is a family history of heart conditions, you may need a letter from a cardiologist or another medical professional. You can get your pulse rate and blood pressure checked at your GP or local pharmacy. The cost of the medication, delivery, and dispensing fee will be explained during your appointment.

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Once your specialist starts prescribing medication, they will monitor you with follow-up appointments over the next three months. This titration window is crucial to optimise your dosage. After this titration period, you can request a Shared Care Protocol.

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4. Documentation

You will receive a detailed report after your assessment, which includes your diagnosis (if any). This letter will be provided typically within a week of your assessment and this full report will be with you between 2-4 weeks after your assessment. This report will include your detailed assessment outcome and suggested treatment plan options.

Please note, the treatment process can begin before you receive your report, so your specialist can prescribe medication soon after the assessment.

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5. Aftercare

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After your assessment, you can book follow-ups with our ADHD specialist, as well as sessions with additional mental health professionals and coaching. You can also join a community offering classes, workshops, and educational content on neurodiversity—all designed to support you every step of the way.

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6. Booking

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Booking your assessment is simple, either:

• Contact Pinewoods Clinic on 0151 380 0055 - our team will happily assist you.
• Online booking- you can also book your initial consultation via the link below. Titration appointments will be booked by the clinic.

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