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How Do I Prepare My Child for an ADHD Doctor Visit? 

PostedOctober 15, 2025
UpdatedOctober 16, 2025
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Harriet Winslow, BSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Getting ready for an ADHD child assessment can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can help your child feel calm and supported. It’s important to talk to them in a simple, age-appropriate way. Explain that the visit is to understand how their brain works and to help with things they might find tricky, like paying attention or sitting still. 

Preparing kids for ADHD appointments should also include letting them know what to expect. Reassure them that there are no wrong answers and that the doctor is there to help, not to test or punish them. You might say, “The doctor will ask some questions about how you think and feel, and it’s OK to be honest.” 

Get a personalised assessment for ADHD

How It Helps to Be Prepared 

Proper preparation helps both you and your child feel more confident going into a paediatric ADHD appointment. 

Bring Examples 

Write down real-life situations where your child has struggled with focus, impulse control, or routines. These help during the ADHD child assessment. 

Practice Calmness 

Go through a few calming strategies with your child before the visit. Deep breaths, fidget toys, or a favourite book can help ease nerves. 

Answer Questions Together 

Let your child know you’ll be there with them to support their answers, making the paediatric ADHD appointment feel like a team effort. 

Being calm, honest, and prepared sets the tone for a more relaxed and productive experience for both you and your child. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert advice tailored to your needs.    

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to How to talk to doctors or get assessed. 

Get a personalised assessment for ADHD
Harriet Winslow, BSc - My patient advice author - mypatientadvice.co.uk
Harriet Winslow, BSc
Author

Harriet Winslow is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in behaviour therapy and developmental disorders. She has worked with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges, providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Dr. Winslow has developed and implemented personalised treatment plans, conducted formal and informal assessments, and delivered crisis intervention for clients in need of urgent mental health care. Her expertise spans assessment, treatment planning, and behavioural intervention for both neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS, author and a reviewer for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk
Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.