ADHD Assessment and Diagnosis: What to Expect at Ready Health

If you’re wondering whether you or your child may have ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), the first step is getting a proper ADHD assessment and diagnosis. At Ready Health in Standish, our friendly clinicians provide professional assessments for both adults and children, helping you get the clarity, answers, and support you need.

This guide explains what happens during an ADHD assessment, the tools we use, and what a diagnosis means — all in simple terms.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a condition that affects how the brain manages attention, activity levels, and self-control. The main symptoms include:

• Inattention – finding it hard to focus, getting easily distracted, or forgetting things.

• Hyperactivity – feeling restless, fidgety, or “always on the go.”

• Impulsivity – acting quickly without thinking, blurting things out, or struggling to wait.

There are three main “types” of ADHD:

1. Inattentive presentation (mostly difficulties with focus and organisation).

2. Hyperactive-impulsive presentation (mostly restlessness and impulsive behaviour).

3. Combined presentation (a mix of both).

What Happens in an ADHD Assessment?

An ADHD assessment at Ready Health is not a quick test. It’s a step-by-step process to build a full picture of your history, symptoms, and how ADHD may affect your daily life.

Here’s what’s usually involved:

1. Clinical Interview

   • A conversation with you (and parents or carers for children) about your background, education, work, and family history.

   • We’ll ask about challenges you’ve faced, when they started, and how they affect your life.

2. Questionnaires & Rating Scales

   • You and people who know you (parents, teachers, partners) may be asked to complete ADHD questionnaires.

   • These measure things like attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

3. Developmental History

   • We explore early milestones, school reports, and family history to check when symptoms first appeared.

   • ADHD symptoms usually begin in childhood, even if they weren’t recognised at the time.

4. Observations & Behavioural Assessment

   • Clinicians may notice patterns such as fidgeting, restlessness, or difficulty staying on track during appointments.

5. Physical Health Checks

   • Blood pressure, weight, and general health checks are done to make sure symptoms aren’t caused by another condition.

Tools Used in ADHD Assessment

At Ready Health, we use a multi-method approach, which may include:

• Structured interviews like the DIVA-5 (Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults).

• ADHD rating scales (e.g. ASRS for adults, Conners’ or SNAP-IV for children).

• Neuropsychological assessments to check attention, memory, and organisation skills.

• Reports from schools or workplaces to understand how symptoms show up in daily life.

How is ADHD Diagnosed?

To make a diagnosis, our clinicians follow the DSM-5 criteria (the standard medical guidelines). For ADHD to be diagnosed:

• Symptoms must have started before the age of 12.

• Symptoms should be present in at least two areas of life (home, school, work, relationships).

• They must interfere with daily functioning.

• Other conditions (such as anxiety, depression, or sleep disorders) must be ruled out.

What Happens After a Diagnosis?

If ADHD is confirmed, the assessment leads directly into a treatment and support plan, which may include:

• Medication (such as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine for adults and children).

• Therapies and coaching to build coping strategies.

• School or workplace adjustments (extra time, flexible deadlines, or quiet spaces).

• Lifestyle support – sleep advice, diet, and wellbeing strategies.

You’ll also be offered ongoing monitoring to check progress, adjust treatment, and make sure you feel supported.

Why Choose Ready Health for ADHD Assessment?

• Experienced clinicians trained in ADHD diagnosis and treatment.

• CQC-registered private medical clinic based in Standish, serving Wigan, Chorley, Bolton, and surrounding areas.

• Remote Assessments and Titration available if not local to WN6 0HL

• Family-friendly service for both adults and children.

• Holistic approach – we don’t just look at symptoms, but at your whole life, strengths, and goals.

Breaking the Stigma

Many people worry that an ADHD diagnosis means being “labelled.” At Ready Health, we see it differently:

• A diagnosis can explain challenges you’ve faced.

• It opens the door to practical support, understanding, and treatment.

• ADHD also comes with strengths such as creativity, energy, and problem-solving skills.

Book Your ADHD Assessment at Ready Health

If you think you or your child may have ADHD, don’t wait any longer for clarity. At Ready Health Clinic in Standish, we provide professional, compassionate ADHD assessments and treatment plans tailored to your needs.

👉 Call us today or book online to start your ADHD journey.