Child ADHD assessment in Ireland

A developmentally informed pathway for parents who are concerned about attention, activity level, impulsivity, emotional regulation or everyday functioning.

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Parent and young person discussing an ADHD assessment pathway

Who this page is for

Assessment should draw on more than one setting

Children can behave differently at home, school and in unfamiliar situations. A useful assessment considers development, context, strengths and the views of the child or young person wherever possible.

What the service can clarify

Parent or caregiver concerns and developmental history
The child or young person’s experience and perspective
Information from education or other settings where appropriate
Possible learning, emotional, sensory, sleep or environmental influences

The website cannot determine whether a child meets diagnostic criteria. Consent, assent, safeguarding and information-sharing arrangements are agreed before work begins.

The process

What to expect

Step 1

Parent consultation

Clarify concerns, developmental history, strengths, risk, school context and the purpose of seeking assessment.

Step 2

Multi-source assessment

Gather age-appropriate information from the child or young person and relevant settings where suitable and consented.

Step 3

Feedback and recommendations

Explain the evidence, conclusions, limitations and practical recommendations for home, education and further support.

Context matters in childhood ADHD assessment

Attention and activity can be affected by anxiety, trauma, sleep, learning needs, sensory differences, family stress and the fit between a child and their environment. These factors should be considered rather than treating a checklist score as the full answer.

Where education information is unavailable, the assessment should explain what evidence is available, what is missing and how that affects confidence in any conclusion.

This website cannot decide whether the service is suitable for you, provide a diagnosis, guarantee that another organisation will accept a report or provide emergency support. What is included, the evidence needed and the purpose of the report are discussed before an assessment begins.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Does the school have to be involved?

School information is often valuable, but involvement depends on age, consent, available evidence and the assessment question. The implications of missing school information are discussed clearly.

Will my child be told about the assessment?

Information should be explained in an age-appropriate way, and the child or young person’s views should be included wherever possible.

Can the assessment guarantee school support?

No. Schools and other organisations make their own decisions. The intended use and likely limitations of a report should be discussed before booking.

Related information

Related assessment information

Children and young people services When parents should consider assessment ADHD assessment overview