Healios & Melios standard ADHD pathway CYP

Welcome!

How the assessment process works

Standard young person ADHD pathway

Diagnostic interview session

Second session

Review and next steps

Quick links and support

Welcome!

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This welcome pack gives you all the information that you need to know about the assessment process. It will tell you what to expect at each stage of the process, and what you and your child need to do to prepare for each session. We understand that this may be an emotional step for you and your family. We want to assure you that our team is dedicated to providing a supportive, informative and enjoyable experience. The purpose of the assessment is to gain a better understanding of your child’s unique strengths and challenges. Our team of experienced clinicians will work together with you to create a comfortable and welcoming environment for your child. We look forward to meeting with you and your child soon!

The Healios assessment process

You'll be offered three sessions with one of our experienced clinicians. If you have additional needs, we can adjust to meet them. Prior to the assessment your child/young person’s school or college will be contacted and asked to complete a questionnaire. We'll walk through each of the sessions in this welcome pack so that you know what to expect, and what you need to do to prepare.

Initial & Diagnostic interview session

Typically 2.5 hours*

Parent/carer only

Preparation required

In the initial session, the clinician will introduce themselves and then give an overview on how the session will run. As part of our safeguarding policy, we’ll review the risk-assessment screening questions you answered to see if anything has changed. You'll be asked questions about your child/young person’s early development and discuss some of your current concerns or information that has led to this assessment. We understand that recalling information about your child's early development can be emotive but also difficult to remember, especially if they are now quite a lot older. The process is designed to help you recall memories, but please be assured that we will support you through the process and there is no judgement if you cannot quite remember a detail or milestone from your child's past. The insights you have into your child, their preferences, experiences and milestones are invaluable to us and we encourage you to share as much as possible with us during this session.

Gather any school reports or relevant documentation you may have, such as:

• Speech and language therapist reports
• Education health care plans
• Educational psychology reports

These may be helpful for your clinician, and you may be asked to upload these.

Second session with your child

Typically 1 hour*

Child attends*

Preparation required

After a break you will regroup to start the second session. In the first part of this session, the clinician will spend time with your child/young person, getting to know them, and getting an understanding of their hobbies, strengths and challenges they face. There will be some games/tasks which will be age appropriate, and some questions to help inform the assessment process. There are no ‘right or wrong’ answers - please ask any questions as we go along and if something doesn’t feel comfortable or a break is needed, please tell us. It might be helpful for you to have another adult with you who can assist with setting up technology.

Preparation checklist

There are some things you can do to help prepare for this part of the initial session. We've made a short video guide and a checklist you can refer to.

Review and next steps

Once we've gathered all the information, our multi-disciplinary team will meet to review everything, discuss and decide whether a diagnosis of ADHD is the best fit for your child/young person. You’ll be contacted with the outcome of the assessment and a detailed report of all the findings will be shared. You'll be offered a follow-up feedback session which will be an opportunity for you and your child/young person to ask any questions you may have and to explore some recommendations and strategies that may be helpful for you as a family. We understand that this journey may raise questions or emotions, and we want you to know that our team is here to help and support you. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns leading up to the assessment. We're here to support you and your child every step of the way.

Updating or amending information in your clinical record

Quick links

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Technical guidance

Contact us

• Each video should be between 3 and 5 minutes long.
• Try to keep your phone or camera in a fixed position rather than holding it to record. You can use a tripod if you have one or balance your device safely where you’ll be able to capture your child.
• You might want to set up the frame beforehand to make sure the light is correct and the area where the child will be playing is fully in shot.
• Position the camera so your child’s face, any toys and if possible others, are clearly in view.

Tips for recording videos

Preparation checklist

Our advice for getting ready for the session with your clinician:

• For the best lighting, avoid having a window behind you, or close the curtains/blinds.
• Have a space to play or relax (depending on age of your child) - this can be on the floor, on the sofa or wherever you are most comfortable.
• At home is best, in a confidential space with only parents/guardians or other trusted caregivers.
• Your space should be free from background noise and distractions (e.g. other people, pets.) Please turn off TV and smart home devices that you don't need for the session.
• Use a device that has a microphone and camera - a laptop or tablet is best - phones are too small as you will also need to see the clinician easily.

• Paper
• Pens/pencils