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Westoak Clinic

  • ADHD in Children - Symptoms, Diagnosis & Assessment

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What Are The Signs of ADHD in Children?

Challenges in maintaining attention

Reading, listening and learning can become difficult as they have difficulties in keeping attention to the task at hand. 

Being Easily 
​distracted

External sounds, conversations, or even the child's own thoughts can pull their attention away from you.

Challenges with organisation

They can become easily overwhelmed with tasks, cleaning for example.

Academic
​Struggles

They have difficulty with schoolwork, homework or underachievement.

Challenges with following instructions

They might miss details or lose track partway through conversations or directions.

A tendency to lose belongings

They may struggle with misplacing their belongings easily and often.

​Social
​Difficulties

They may struggle with friendships, understanding social cues, or struggling with social interactions.

A need to move and fidget about

They may feel the need to start tapping, shifting, or needing to stand, sitting still feels uncomfortable.

Poor Time
​Management

They may underestimate how long a task will take, procrastinate often.

Often loud or generally noisy

They may speak loudly, make impulsive noises, or struggle to tone down their energy.

Challenges with waiting their turn

Patience can be hard, whether in queues, conversations, or decision-making.

Excessive movement 
​or gesturing

They may be hyper-active even when they have been active all day.

Challenges in maintaining attention

Reading, listening and learning can become difficult as they have difficulties in keeping attention to the task at hand. 

Being Easily 
​distracted

External sounds, conversations, or even the child's own thoughts can pull their attention away from you.

Challenges with organisation

They can become easily overwhelmed with tasks, cleaning for example.

Academic
​Struggles

They have difficulty with schoolwork, homework or underachievement.

Challenges with following instructions

They might miss details or lose track partway through conversations or directions.

A tendency to lose belongings

They may struggle with misplacing their belongings easily and often.

​Social
​Difficulties

They may struggle with friendships, understanding social cues, or struggling with social interactions.

A need to move and fidget about

They may feel the need to start tapping, shifting, or needing to stand, sitting still feels uncomfortable.

Poor Time
​Management

They may underestimate how long a task will take, procrastinate often.

Often loud or generally noisy

They may speak loudly, make impulsive noises, or struggle to tone down their energy.

Challenges with waiting their turn

Patience can be hard, whether in queues, conversations, or decision-making.

Excessive movement 
​or gesturing

They may be hyper-active even when they have been active all day.

The Different Types of ADHD Diagnosis

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a lifelong condition that affects how people manage their attention, focus, and sometimes their level of activity or impulse control. It’s important to know that these differences are present from birth and are caused by natural variations in how the brain develops. ADHD is very common, and every individual’s experience with it is unique.

Combined Type
Inattentive Subtype
Hyperactive Subtype
Combined Type

ADHD Combined Type

This type of ADHD includes symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. People with Combined Type may find it hard to focus, follow through on tasks, stay organised, or manage time effectively - while also experiencing restlessness, impulsive decision-making, or difficulty sitting still.


Understanding this presentation can be an important step in managing its impact on your child's daily life, work, and relationships. At West Oak Clinic, we're here to help you gain clarity and find tailored support that fits your needs.

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Inattentive Subtype

ADHD Inattentive Subtype

This subtype of ADHD is characterised primarily by difficulties with attention, focus, and organisation. People with inattentive ADHD may appear forgetful, easily distracted, or struggle to follow through on tasks - especially those that are repetitive or mentally unstimulating.


Unlike the hyperactive type, high energy or impulsivity may not be prominent day-to-day, which can make this presentation harder to recognise. However, its impact on daily functioning can still be significant.

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Hyperactive Subtype

ADHD Hyperactive Subtype

This subtype is marked by high physical energy, restlessness, and a constant drive to move or act. Individuals may talk excessively, find it difficult to sit still, or act impulsively - often speaking or doing things without pause for reflection.


As people grow older, outward hyperactivity may appear to lessen, but the mental restlessness and fast-paced thinking often remain. These impulsive behaviours can sometimes pose challenges in daily life, relationships, and work settings.

Understanding this presentation is key to learning how to manage it effectively - and we’re here to help.

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Why?

Unlock your child’s potential with a professional ADHD assessment. We help parents get answers quickly and compassionately. If your child struggles with focus, impulsivity or hyperactivity, our evaluation offers clear insights and a personalised way forward.


Don’t wait – an early assessment can make all the difference.


During Assessment

Our comprehensive assessment process is carefully designed to give you clarity and a clear sense of direction. From your initial consultation, we take the time to understand your unique concerns, needs and goals.


Throughout the process, we offer consistent guidance, expert insights and excellent support to ensure you feel informed at every stage. 

What's Next ...

For many people, going through this process brings a deep sense of relief and recognition. It helps put past experiences into context and can provide a new perspective on how to approach work, relationships, and daily life.



A formal diagnosis can lead to personalised support and helpful resources, leading to more confidence.

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Understanding Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity

This describes the natural variety in how people’s brains work. We are all part of neurodiversity.

Neurotypical

Refers to people whose brains function in ways that are considered typical or expected by society.

Neurodevelopmental Condition

This refers to certain patterns of brain development that differ from the neurotypical majority, such as ADHD, autism, or developmental language disorder (DLD).

Neurodivergent:

An umbrella term for people whose brains function differently from the neurotypical majority. This can include ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, DLD, and more.

''ADHD isn't a deficit. It's a gift. The gift has its challenges, and we have to work around those challenges, but it isn't a pathology.'' - Jonathan Mooney

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Taking the first step towards understanding and managing neurodiversity can change completely how someone develops. At West Oak Clinic, we're here to support you with compassionate, professional care.

No Referral Needed

Flexible Scheduling

Expert Clinicians

Confidential Support

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Your Questions, Answered.

How long is the waiting list for an assessment?

Children on the NHS Right to Choose pathway currently face a waiting time of 12 to 16 months, whereas privately funded appointments are typically available within 6 to 8 weeks.

Where is West Oak Clinic?

We are located in Leeds and our postcode is LS8 3LF   

324 Oakwood Lane

How can I request an assessment?

Your child can be assessed either through the NHS-funded Right to Choose pathway or via privately arranged funding. We also accept funding from insurance providers. Please note that all assessments are conducted either in person or as a combination of online and in-person sessions; fully online assessments are not available.

What is a Qb test and will my child have one?

QbTest is a CE-marked medical device used to support the assessment and management of ADHD. It provides objective data on a child’s attention, activity, and impulsivity, which we consider alongside other elements of the assessment to help inform our diagnostic decisions. While not all children will need a QbTest, it will be used where clinically appropriate.

How long does my report take?

Following your feedback meeting, you will receive your report by email within six weeks. If your assessment was arranged through the Right to Choose pathway, a copy will also be sent to your GP - unless you have chosen to opt out. We do not share reports with schools or other professionals unless you have given explicit consent. For privately funded assessments, the report is sent solely to you.

Unsure Whether to Book?


You may not yet know if you should have a full assessment. Some people find talking to a professional in the first instance can help with this decision. Click below to find out more.

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