Preparing for an ADHD assessment is about more than gathering paperwork; it is about setting yourself up for clarity. At Enlightened Minds, we have guided hundreds of adults and children through this process. This guide explains how to prepare practically and emotionally so your clinician can build the most accurate and compassionate picture of you or your child.
How to Prepare for an ADHD Assessment in 2025 and Beyond
Preparation matters more than most people realise
A well-prepared assessment can mean the difference between uncertainty and understanding. ADHD is highly individualised; two people can share the same diagnosis but experience it in completely different ways. That is why preparation is not about memorising symptoms but about showing your unique story clearly so your assessor sees patterns that might otherwise be missed.
Before the appointment, gather information that reflects your daily life and background: past reports, school records, work reviews, previous assessments, online ADHD tools, and a list of any current medications or supplements. For children, this can also include examples of schoolwork, behaviour logs, or communication from teachers. Each document provides insight into how attention, motivation, and impulsivity have shown up over time.
ADHD Assessment Preparation Checklist
Use this checklist to feel calm, organised, and ready. Tick items that apply. Adults and parents can complete it together.
Tip: Print this page or save it as a PDF and tick items as you go. To save or print this checklist, press Ctrl + P on Windows or Command + P on a Mac. When the print window opens, select “Save as PDF” under the Destination or Printer section. In the settings, choose Portrait layout, tick “Print backgrounds” (or “Background graphics”), and select “Fit to page.” Then click Save, choose where to store the file, and confirm, your printable version will be ready.
Reflect and record your real-world experiences
Spend a few days observing how ADHD might be affecting everyday activities. Where do you lose track of time? What situations make you restless or impulsive? How do distractions impact your focus or relationships? Write brief notes or voice memos that capture these moments. The more specific you are, the more context your clinician has to work with, turning vague patterns into meaningful data.
If you are a parent preparing for your child’s assessment, jot down examples from home and school. Teachers’ insights are particularly valuable, as ADHD behaviours often present differently across environments. Small details such as unfinished homework, difficulty following multi-step instructions, emotional outbursts, or bursts of creativity and hyperfocus help paint a balanced picture.
Be open and honest during your appointment
An ADHD assessment is not an exam, and there are no right or wrong answers. Your assessor is not judging performance but looking to understand the full story. Be candid about what you struggle with, but also what you excel at. Many adults have developed coping mechanisms that mask symptoms, while children may downplay difficulties to avoid disappointing parents or teachers. Transparency helps your clinician connect the dots between effort, energy, and outcome.
If something feels too personal or unclear, say so. Assessors are trained to explore gently and with empathy. A diagnosis is not a label but a tool for self-understanding, access to support, and future planning.
Small but important steps before the day
Sleep well the night before and eat something nourishing beforehand, as fatigue and hunger can heighten distractibility and emotional reactivity. Choose comfortable clothing and bring a bottle of water. These simple things can make a surprisingly big difference to focus and calm. Bring along your paperwork, any completed questionnaires, and your ID or referral letter if requested. Consider printing or saving notes digitally so they are easy to access on the day.
Preparation tips for adults
If you are an adult attending an ADHD assessment, think about inviting a trusted friend or relative. They can provide emotional support and, if asked, share observations that you might overlook. Reflect on your journey from childhood to now and be ready to discuss how attention, organisation, time management, and impulsivity have evolved. Many adults find it helpful to consider patterns in relationships, education, finances, and work habits; these insights often reveal how ADHD manifests across decades rather than moments.
Take time to outline your goals for the assessment. Are you seeking diagnosis for self-understanding, workplace accommodations, treatment options, or personal development? Being clear on your intention helps guide your clinician’s recommendations afterwards.
Preparation tips for children
When supporting a child, the best preparation is emotional reassurance. Explain in simple, positive language what the assessment involves: talks, drawings, or fun tasks that help the clinician understand how their mind works. Reinforce that it is not a test or something they can fail. Keeping routines normal in the days leading up helps your child feel secure and balanced.
Ensure they get good sleep and a familiar breakfast on the day. Bring along comfort items if needed such as favourite snacks, small toys, or books. Parents should also prepare reports from teachers or previous professionals, as these give context to classroom attention, peer interactions, and learning style. The more familiar and supported your child feels, the more accurate and stress-free the results will be.
Extra ways to strengthen your preparation
Try to reduce major stressors in the few days before your appointment. Heavy workloads, late nights, or emotional conflicts can distort how ADHD presents. Some adults also find it useful to limit caffeine or stimulants on the day of the assessment to keep baseline concentration consistent. Journalling emotions, challenges, and successes for even a week before your appointment can help you recognise patterns you had not noticed before. If you meditate, walk, or listen to music to relax, build that into your routine as it helps calm the nervous system and improves focus during the session.
Finally, if you are already engaging in therapy or coaching, bring notes or summaries from those sessions. These can reveal valuable psychological patterns or coping mechanisms your clinician can integrate into their overall understanding.
Final thoughts
Preparing for an ADHD assessment is an act of self-awareness and courage. You are not proving a point; you are exploring the unique way your brain engages with the world. The more open, rested, and organised you are, the smoother the process will be and the more precise the outcome. Whether you are preparing for yourself or your child, take your time, be honest, and let the professionals at Enlightened Minds guide you through the process with care and expertise.
If you feel ready to take the next step, you can learn more about our ADHD assessment service or book your assessment here. Every journey starts with a single moment of clarity, and this could be yours.
This content is for informational purposes and should not replace medical or psychological advice. For personal guidance, please speak with your GP or a qualified clinician.