Frequently Asked Questions

Children who have ADHD often have:

• Challenges with attention, increased activity levels and being impulsive
• Boundless energy, often excelling in physical activity such as sports, dance and drama but fidgety and restless finding staying in one place tricky (e.g. finds reasons to get out of their seat at meal times or frequently asks to use the toilet when in class).
• A tendency towards day dreaming with parents and teachers noticing that they are often distracted, either chatting with friends, watching out of windows or zoning out of conversations
• Difficulties remembering things for school such as taking their PE kit, or find it difficult to organise their school bag
• Challenges with studying and revision, particularly repetitive work, as people with ADHD find novelty more engaging.
• Difficulty with social interactions – interrupting, acting or saying things in the moment they didn’t mean causing conflict or confusion with peers. Often children who are impulsive tend to take leadership roles in peer groups or find themselves being the first to answer when they have something to share. Children can sometimes get in trouble for acting without thinking.

Often although challenges are experienced, many children with ADHD thrive with the right support and when their individual and unique strengths are nurtured reach their full potential.

Living with ADHD often means having challenges with attention, increased activity levels and being impulsive. Adults with ADHD often report finding everyday tasks challenging such as forgetting to pay bills and receiving fines, finding it hard to keep on top of household chores such as cleaning and laundry or misplacing important items. They report that time can feel difficult to manage, with deadlines appearing suddenly despite careful planning, and even simple tasks may feel hard to begin. Social interactions can also be affected; moments of enthusiasm may lead to interrupting, followed by guilt or self-doubt.

Yet alongside these challenges, many individuals with ADHD also find they have many strengths such as bursts of creativity, innovative thinking, and the capacity for intense focus on tasks that are interesting to them. Understanding ADHD involves recognising both its challenges and the unique strengths it brings and finding ways to support individuals to recognise their abilities to reach their full potential.

QbCheck is an evidence based computerised test which can objectively measure the core characteristics of ADHD – attention, activity levels and impulsivity. The QBCheck enables our clinicians to gain a greater understanding of an individual’s traits which helps in the assessment and treatment planning to ensure everybody receives personalised care.

QBCheck is part of our standard offering for Children’s ADHD assessments and can be requested as part of an adult assessment at an additional cost.

Nurovia offers ADHD assessments for children age 6 and over.

No, private assessments can be self-referred. All you need to do is complete the enquiry form.

Our ADHD assessments are all completed by experienced clinicians, using accredited assessment tools in line with NICE guidelines. Our clinicians are Psychiatrists, Paediatricians and registered health care professionals such as Clinical Psychologists, Nurses, Occupational Therapists or Speech and Language Therapists.

• Pre-assessment questionnaires
• A detailed developmental and medical history
• Structured interviews with the individual and someone who knows them well
• Standardised assessments (e.g. DIVA)
• Review of school reports or other relevant documents

For adults, our assessment starts by asking you and someone who knows you well to complete a questionnaire and return it to us.

• Following this we carry out an assessment with you directly, where you will be asked about your childhood, your strengths and difficulties as well as your medical history in relation to ADHD.

Our clinician will then review the information and if they are able to confirm a decision in your first session they will. If they need to speak to the wider multi-disciplinary team you will be invited to another appointment for feedback where the conclusion will be shared with you

• You will then receive a detailed report about how the clinicians made their decision and some recommendations for moving forward.

Via Nurovia, assessments can usually be booked within 2 weeks.

If you need to cancel your appointment, this must be done at least 48 hours in advance to avoid cancellation fees. We will provide a refund of 50% of the fee for booked appointments cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice, but more than 24 hours. The full fee will be charged for appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice.

Our ADHD assessments for children include –

• Pre-Assessment questionnaires
• A detailed developmental and medical history
• Structured interviews with the child and someone who knows them well – usually a parent
• Standardised assessments (e.g. DIVA, Conners rating scale, QB Check)
• Review of school reports or other relevant documents

For children, our assessment starts by requesting a parent or carer and school to complete a questionnaire and a Conners rating scale and return it to us. We will also send a link and instructions for your child to complete the ‘QBCheck’. Once this part of the assessment is complete, we will book your session with a clinician.

• Following this we carry out an assessment with you and your child. There will be opportunity for parents/carers to speak with the clinician without your child, but it is important our clinician meets your child as well.
• Our clinician will then review the information and if they are able to confirm a decision in your first session they will. If they need to speak to the wider multi-disciplinary team you will be invited to another appointment for feedback where the conclusion will be shared with you.
• You will then receive a detailed report about how the clinicians made their decision and some recommendations for moving forward.

This is dependent on the NHS ADHD service in your area. Some NHS providers will accept a private assessment and diagnosis however others will want to complete their own assessment before they will agree to begin any treatment. All of our assessments are conducted by qualified professionals in line with NICE guidelines however we cannot guarantee that your local NHS Service will accept our assessment. You can take your assessment report to your GP and request a referral to your local NHS ADHD Service.

Following your ADHD diagnosis, you may decide that you would like to try medication to see if it helps you.

Following your assessment, we will send you some additional health questionnaires and ask you to take your blood pressure, pulse, height and weight. You can ask your GP to take your blood pressure and pulse but we would suggest purchasing a digital blood pressure monitor so you can do this conveniently at home.

Once we have this information you will be invited to a baseline health assessment with one of our clinicians who will assess your suitability for medication. They will discuss the benefits and side effects and if you are suitable, will prescribe your first dose.

You will then attend an appointment every 4 weeks whilst your medication is optimised and stabilised – this process is called titration.

Once you and your clinician feel you are stable and optimised, you will then only need to see your clinician every 6 months.

We can continue prescribing your medication for you on a monthly basis and our pharmacy partner will deliver your medication to your home.

Once you are stabilised and optimised on your ADHD medication, we will write to your GP to request a Shared Care Agreement.

• Reviews with Nurovia: every 6 months (children) or every 12 months (adults).
• Prescribing: your GP issues monthly prescriptions under shared care.

Shared care is at your GP’s discretion and depends on local Integrated Care Board (ICB) policy. If you are unsure, contact your GP or find your local ICB here.

If shared care is not agreed, Nurovia can continue private prescribing each month. A prescription fee applies (medication cost not included).

An arrangement between you, your healthcare professional and your GP where your GP agrees to continue to prescribe your ADHD medication on our recommendation as the specialist. Your 6 monthly (for children) or 12 monthly (adults) medication review will still be with Nurovia, but your monthly prescription will be completed by your GP. Any changes to your medication will need to be made by your specialist at Nurovia.

After your assessment you will receive a detailed report which will include recommendations that you can put in place at home, school or the workplace. We are also able to support with medication for those diagnosed with ADHD, post diagnostic support sessions with specialist clinicians and bespoke recommendations for school or workplace accommodations. We may also make recommendations for onward support such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, counselling or coaching.

The main clinical assessment takes approximately 2 hours, depending on the individual case. It takes a minimum of 3 weeks to complete the entire process, from the first exploratory call to receiving a diagnosis and completed report.

Yes, we welcome and assess transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse individuals as part of our ADHD assessment services. We recognise that there is higher likelihood of neurodivergent individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community therefore our clinicians are trained to provide affirming, respectful, and personalised care that recognises the unique experiences and challenges faced by people across the gender spectrum. We understand that ADHD can present differently depending on gender identity, and we ensure that our assessments are inclusive, trauma-informed, and tailored to each person’s lived experience.

Your data is treated with the highest standards of privacy, safety, and confidentiality. We comply fully with UK GDPR regulations and all relevant data protection laws. Any personal information you share – whether during your ADHD assessment, treatment, or communication, is securely stored, encrypted, and only accessible to authorised clinical staff. Nurovia also has Cyber Essentials Plus certification which shows we have robust cybersecurity controls to safeguard your data against unauthorised access and our systems undergo regular independent security audits.

Autism shapes how individuals experience the world around them. There may be differences in communication, relationships, sensory processing and emotional regulation.

Autistic people may communicate in ways that are direct, honest, and less reliant on social conventions like eye contact or small talk. You might notice that back and forth conversations are tricky, but you enjoy sharing information about your interests and experiences.

Some Autistic people can find making friends and keeping relationships particularly tricky as neurotypical peers may not understand how you feel or share your interests. Often however, in environments that are accepting of differences, where shared understanding and acceptance replace pressure to “fit in” Autistic people can thrive.
Sensory processing differences, such as heightened sensitivity to sounds, lights, or textures, can lead to distress or overwhelm, while some individuals may seek out sensory input to feel regulated such as movement, loud music or deep pressure.

Emotional responses may be experienced differently and are often influenced by sensory and social demands. Some people find it tricky to understand their own emotions which can lead to bottling things up, large outbursts of emotion or withdrawing internally. There is no right way to feel your own emotions, you may just notice differences to friends and family.

Our Autism assessments are all completed by experienced clinicians, using accredited assessment tools in line with NICE guidelines. Our assessments include –

• A detailed developmental and medical history
• Structured interviews with the individual and someone who knows them well
• Standardised assessments (e.g. ADOS-2, ADI-R)
• Questionnaires and observations
• Review of school reports or other relevant documents

For adults, our assessment starts by asking you and someone who knows you well to complete a questionnaire and return it to us.

For children, our assessments starts by requesting a parent or carer and school to complete a questionnaire and return it to us.

Following this we carry out an assessment with the child/adult directly, as well as a separate session with their informer (person who knows them well). This helps to give our clinicians holistic information to inform their decision making.

Once both these sessions are completed, the clinicians will meet and discuss the information that has been shared and make a decision about diagnosis.

You will then we invited to a feedback appointment where the conclusion will be shared with you.

You will then receive a detailed report about how the clinicians made their decision and some individualised recommendations for moving forward.

Yes, many adults are diagnosed with autism later in life—often after years of feeling “different” or struggling with social, sensory, or emotional challenges. A formal diagnosis can provide clarity, validation, and access to support. Our adult autism assessments are tailored to recognise how traits may present differently in adulthood, including masking and coping strategies developed over time.

There is no age limit for an Autism assessment however we would recommend that if you have concerns about your child’s early development you speak to your health visitor or book in to speak with one of our specialists who can help you decide if an Autism assessment is recommended. We offer age-appropriate assessments for toddlers, children, and adolescents, using tools and approaches suited to each developmental stage.

Yes, we can liaise with your child’s school, SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator), or other professionals involved in their care – we will only ever do this with your consent Their input helps us gather valuable insights into your child’s strengths and challenges in their educational setting and allows our clinicians to understand their needs and make tailored recommendations.

You’ll receive a comprehensive assessment report and, if applicable, recommendations for support or onward referrals.

No, you do not need a GP referral to access a private autism assessment. You can self-refer directly to our service.

Following your assessment, you will receive a report explaining how your diagnosis has been made. Once you have your report you can ask your GP for a referral to your local Autism service. Some NHS providers will accept a private assessment and diagnosis however others will want to complete their own assessment. It is also important to note that some NHS services will only offer assessment and not long-term support – you can always seek post-diagnostic support from Nurovia.

Yes, we welcome and assess transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse individuals as part of our Autism assessment services. We recognise that there is higher likelihood of neurodivergent individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community therefore Our clinicians are trained to provide affirming, respectful, and personalised care that recognises the unique experiences and challenges faced by people across the gender spectrum. We understand that Autism can present differently depending on gender identity, and we ensure that our assessments are inclusive, trauma-informed, and tailored to each person’s lived experience.

Your data is treated with the highest standards of privacy, safety, and confidentiality. We comply fully with UK GDPR regulations and all relevant data protection laws. Any personal information you share – whether during your ADHD assessment, treatment, or communication, is securely stored, encrypted, and only accessible to authorised clinical staff. Nurovia also has Cyber Essentials Plus certification which shows we have robust cybersecurity controls to safeguard your data against unauthorised access and our systems undergo regular independent security audits.