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If you have always felt different but couldn’t quite put your finger on why, struggled to stay focused, stay organised or keep up with everyday demands, you might be living with undiagnosed ADHD.
At PATH North West, I provide private ADHD assessments for adults, either in-person at my Manchester clinic or online across the UK. Assessments are carried out by myself, a highly experienced clinical psychologist with over 18 years’ experience in neurodevelopmental services, so you can trust the process is thorough and professional.
If you’ve spent years feeling misunderstood, overwhelmed or simply looking for answers, an ADHD assessment could give you the clarity and direction you’ve been waiting for.
Private Adult ADHD Assessments
What Is ADHD in Adults?
Many adults don’t realise they have ADHD until later in life. For some, it’s been masked by coping strategies or misdiagnosed as anxiety, depression or even burnout. A nADHD assessment can help you understand your challenges, build on your strengths and access appropriate support.
ADHD; Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts focus, attention, memory, and impulse control. While it is commonly identified in childhood, a significant number of adults remain undiagnosed into their 20s, 30s or beyond. In adults, ADHD symptoms often present differently to children. Instead of hyperactivity, you might experience:
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Chronic disorganisation
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Difficulty with timekeeping
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Forgetfulness
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Trouble following through on tasks
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Impulsive decisions
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Feeling mentally restless or overwhelmed
These symptoms can affect personal relationships, careers, and mental health. Left untreated, ADHD can lead to stress, anxiety, and a reduced sense of self-worth.
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However, many adults with ADHD also have strengths – creativity, high energy, strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think differently. The key is understanding how ADHD affects you and learning how to work with your brain, not against it.
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How Long Can ADHD Go Undiagnosed?
ADHD can go undetected for years, even decades. It’s especially common for symptoms to be missed in childhood, particularly in women and girls, where traits may present more subtly or be masked through coping strategies. Many people learn to internalise their struggles, putting on a front of being “fine” while feeling overwhelmed inside.
By adulthood, it’s not unusual to look back and see a pattern of challenges that were never properly understood. You might recognise yourself in the following:
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Ongoing difficulties with studying, organisation or meeting deadlines
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A history of switching jobs or feeling unfulfilled in your career
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Struggles with maintaining relationships or feeling misunderstood
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Being labelled as “lazy”, “inconsistent”, or “not living up to your potential”
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Many adults only begin to consider ADHD after a child, friend or partner receives a diagnosis, which can trigger a moment of clarity about their own experiences. For others, the tipping point comes during a crisis, burnout, anxiety, depression or feeling stuck despite trying therapy or medication with limited results.
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Receiving a diagnosis later in life can bring a huge sense of relief. It offers an explanation, not an excuse, and helps you understand yourself through a different lens. If this sounds familiar, a private adult ADHD assessment can give you the clarity and direction you’ve been looking for.
The Benefits of an ADHD Diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis isn’t about labelling. It’s about understanding your experiences and having a clear path forward. Some of the benefits of a diagnosis include:
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Validation: Knowing your difficulties have a clinical explanation – and that you're not "just lazy".
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Self-awareness: Recognising your triggers, patterns and strengths.
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Improved mental health: Many people report reduced anxiety and depression once they understand their ADHD.
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Access to support: Including therapy, coaching, workplace adjustments, and – where appropriate – medication.
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Better relationships: Communication often improves when both partners understand the role ADHD plays.
Whether you’re seeking workplace support, educational accommodations, or simply want clarity, an assessment is the first step.
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How the ADHD Assessment Works
I offer comprehensive private ADHD assessments tailored for adults.
The process involves approximately two appointments and includes:
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Use of gold-standard diagnostic tools
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A clinical interview exploring your current and historical difficulties
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In some cases, input from a parent or someone who knew you in childhood
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Consideration of other possible explanations (e.g. anxiety, trauma, autism)
The aim is to establish:
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Whether your current difficulties meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD
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Whether these difficulties are clinically significant and impact your daily functioning
After your assessment, you’ll receive:
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A written diagnostic report
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A feedback session to go through the findings and recommendations
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Signposting to treatment options, therapy or further support
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Important Note: If you are considering medication post-diagnosis via the NHS, I recommend checking with your GP or NHS Trust beforehand to ensure a private assessment will be accepted for this purpose.
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ADHD Assessments
Manchester & Online Nationwide
You can access our ADHD assessments in Manchester at our clinic in Chorlton or Manchester city centre, or in Preston, or attend your appointments online from anywhere in the UK. Both options are thorough, confidential, and led by a HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist.
Getting Started
To begin, simply email me at pathnorthwest@protonmail.com with any questions or to ask for further information.If you wish to have a telephone or video call discussion, this can also be arranged.
Why Choose PATH North West?
HCPC-Registered Clinical Psychologist:
You’ll be assessed by a qualified professional with 18+ years of specialist experience in working with neurodiverse adults, including in the NHS.
Private ADHD and Autism Assessments:
No long NHS wait times. We offer timely, confidential and comprehensive assessments tailored to adults.
In-Person or Online:
Insurance registered Health Provider:
Face-to-face sessions available in Chorlton, Manchester (Mondays), or online appointments available (Fridays).
​Psychology services that are registered with Aviva, AXA Health, BUPA, and Vitality Health.
Specialist in ADHD & Autism:
Extensive experience working with adults with Autism and ADHD, including late-diagnosis individuals, females and LGBTQ+ clients.
Evidence-Based Therapy Available:
I am experienced in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which may be available post-diagnosis
How long does an ADHD assessment take?
The assessment is typically completed over two appointments. Each session lasts around 90 minutes. You’ll also receive a detailed report and feedback session.
Will I get a formal diagnosis?
Yes , if you meet the clinical criteria, you’ll receive a formal diagnosis and a comprehensive report which may be used to access support at work or university, and in some cases for treatment.
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Do I need a GP referral?
No referral is needed. You can self-refer directly. However, if you want to pursue NHS medication after diagnosis, it's worth checking with your GP if they accept private assessments.
Is the online ADHD assessment as valid as face-to-face?
Yes. Online ADHD assessments use the same validated tools and clinical rigour as in-person assessments. They are suitable for clients across the UK.
Is the assessment suitable for women and non-binary people?
Yes. ADHD often presents differently in women, trans and non-binary people. I have extensive experience in recognising these presentations.
Can I access therapy or coaching after my diagnosis?
Yes. Post-diagnostic therapy may be available, including ACT and EMDR. I can also signpost you to ADHD coaching or support networks if appropriate.​​​​
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PATH North West provides private ADHD and Autism assessments and 1:1 therapy for adults in Manchester, Preston and online. Led by an HCPC-registered Consultant Clinical Psychologist with 18 years of post-doctoral experience, including in NHS autism specialist services, PATH North West delivers through evidence-based assessments designed to support adults seeking clarity and diagnosis. You may be experiencing problems with your mood, self-esteem, problems with concentration, overwhelm/burnout, sensory issues, or managing relationships. Perhaps you have wondered if this could indicate neurodiversity. Having clarity through ADHD/autism assessment may help you and others to better understand your experience and access the support you need.
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You don't need to have a full assessment, a shorter and more affordable screening session is available to help you determine if a full assessment is warranted, and if so, which this would be,.
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I also offer therapy informed by ACT, IFS, DBT and EMDR, tailored to your needs. I can work with any adults but I have particular experience with neurodiversity.
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I have been qualified since 2007, and worked in the NHS for 20 years. I have worked privately for around 10 years.
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Should I have an assessment?
Feeling unsure? you're not alone. Having an autism, ADHD or learning disability assessment or therapy can be a big step. Many adults I have worked with in NHS autism services and privately have spent years wondering whether ADHD/autism might explain their differences. If you are unsure if an assessment and/or therapy is right for you, please contact me for a free 15 minute video or telephone call to discuss further and I can help advise you. There will be no 'hard sell' - I will advise on what I think is right for you, which is my absolute priority.
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If you want a no obligation, free, 15 minute call to discuss options, get clarity and advice, please contact me using this button.
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*please let me know if you have any access or
communication preferences when you get in touch
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