Preparing your child for the ADHD assessment

An assessment can worry a child, who does not know what to expect. Preparing them well reassures them and helps the professional obtain reliable results. Here is how to go about it. Good preparation makes the assessment more relaxed and more reliable.

Explaining it simply

Tell them they will meet a doctor who helps children better understand how they learn and concentrate. Present it as help, not as a test to pass. Adapt your words to their age.

Our article Explaining ADHD to your child complements this advice.

Reassuring them

Explain that there is no right or wrong answer, that they will talk, answer questions and play some little games. Reassure them that they are not being punished. A relaxed child shows their abilities better.

To find out more, read ADHD and anxiety.

Gathering the documents

Health book, school reports, exercise books, reports from previous assessments, teachers’ comments: these documents help the professional. Keep them in a folder so nothing is forgotten.

The article The ADHD assessment: how it works covers this question in detail.

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Preparing your observations

Note down the difficulties you observe, with concrete, dated examples. Think about their strengths too. These examples help the professional understand everyday life.

This point is explained step by step in How to tell whether my child has ADHD.

The questionnaires

Complete the requested questionnaires calmly, thinking about the child’s usual behaviour. Hand in those intended for the teacher early enough. Check that all the questionnaires are fully completed.

To go further, read our article The Conners questionnaire.

The big day

Make sure they have slept well and eaten. Plan something enjoyable for after the assessment. If they take medication, ask the doctor whether they should take it that day. A well-rested child concentrates better during the tests.

We detail this point in ADHD and sleep.

After the assessment

Ask them how they felt. Congratulate them on their participation. The results will be explained at the feedback appointment. Value their efforts, whatever the result.

This subject is covered in our page Understanding the ADHD assessment report.