Neurodiversity Clinic FAQs

ADHD Screening

1. QbTest and QbCheck

What is the QbTest?

The QbTest is an objective testing system that simultaneously measures attention, impulsivity and motor activity, key indicators in helping formulate a diagnosis of ADHD. It uses a special camera and infrared marker to capture movements. The results obtained by the test may be used to help form a better understanding of any cognitive and behavioural difficulties, cutting through ambiguous information and stripping away human error. The QbTest is not a diagnosis, it is a sophisticated screening tool which is used to support a diagnosis. Only a doctor can diagnose. The QbTest is very accurate, is recognised by health professionals, and is used to give consultants greater confidence when diagnosing.

What is the QbCheck?

The QbCheck is very similar to the QbTest but is carried out online, identifying an adult client’s likelihood of having ADHD-like symptoms. QbCheck is an FDA cleared and CE marked test that supports early identification, assessment, and treatment of ADHD. It is a computer-based test that objectively measures the core signs of ADHD: Hyperactivity, Impulsivity and Inattention. During the test, a spacebar is used to respond to targets and motor activity is registered by a web camera. No images are captured during the test.

Does the camera film the person taking a QbTest?

No, the camera can only see the movement of the infrared marker. It captures how much the marker moves during the test.

How long do these tests take?

Depending on age it can take 15 or 20 minutes.

What does the client have to do?

During the test symbols will be shown on the screen. The task is to click whenever certain symbols appear.

Do language skills or dyslexia affect results?

No, neither of these will impact on the test.

Can computer gaming affect results?

No, there is no link between video game experiences and test results.

Will the client be able to practise?

Yes. Before the test, the clinical advisor will show the client an instructional video. The client will then have an opportunity to complete 1-minute practice tests and ask any questions. The clinical advisor will only start the test once they are confident that the client understands the instructions and is able to complete the task.

What if the client is unable to complete the QbTest?

In rare cases, some people cannot do the test, or the test is not possible. If this happens, do not worry! This can be incredibly useful to help us understand what is impacting a person's cognitive abilities. In most cases, if a test is not possible, this is indicative of other conditions such as Autism, Anxiety, or Irlen Syndrome.

What if the remote QbCheck is not possible?

As outlined on the consent form, in order to access the QbCheck you must meet all of the criteria. Failure to do so may result in false results, invalid results, or additional charges. If you do not meet the criteria outlined in the consent form, and the QbCheck is therefore not able to proceed, then you will have 2 options: 1. Pay a £100 re-booking fee to have the QbTest face to face assessment. This is non-refundable. 2. Leave the QbCheck from the assessment. The results will be marked as “not possible” in the report. In certain circumstances we appreciate that tests may not be possible due to factors out of your control, such as power cuts or sudden illness. In these special unforeseen circumstances, the re-booking fee can be wavered. However, this needs to be reviewed and approved by our business director. It can take between 3-5 working days to make a decision.

What if I just want the QbTest, or what if my doctor has completed the other aspects of the screen and has only requested the QbTest?

It is quite common for clinicians, both NHS or private, to refer their patients to our service to access just the QbTest, or for families to only want to access this part. If you only want to access the QbTest due to any of the above reasons please mark this option on the referral form. Accessing the QbTest alone is much faster than the full assessments we offer and we are able to send the results to a client’s clinician within days of the appointment.

2. ADHD Diagnosis

Does the ADHD Foundation offer a full diagnosis?

At the ADHD foundation we offer a full ADHD screen for 6- to 60-year-olds. This is not a diagnosis, but a comprehensive screen used to support a diagnosis, comprising of the QbTest OR QbCheck, ADHD rating scales, a clinical interview, and full history. This screen creates a body of evidence that a diagnosing clinician can use to make a diagnosis. Once our screen is complete, we can refer the client to a Private Psychiatrist, who will be able to diagnose them with ADHD. We work closely with several private psychiatrists who can use evidence from the assessment to continue the diagnosis.

How much will a formal adult diagnosis cost after the pre-diagnostic screen?

To complete an adult diagnosis, we can refer clients to psychiatrists who can use our assessment to make a diagnosis. The cost of a psychiatrist is can vary, with added costs for any follow-up appointments. If a client wishes to access medication, the psychiatrists charge for each titration appointment and medication review. There are usually three of these appointments.

Can a child access a formal diagnosis privately?

After the pre-diagnostic screen, we can refer children to a specialist paediatrician. Please get in touch for more info.

What if I already have a consultant?

After the screening appointment we can send your results to your consultant.

What if I want to use the NHS?

If you are not on any ADHD pathway we can write to your G.P. requesting that you should be referred onto the NHS ADHD pathway based on the evidence from your assessment with us.

Can I be referred to the NHS after a private diagnosis?

In some cases, yes. However, a shared care agreement must be made with your GP. If requested, we will help in this matter and write to your GP requesting the transition but it is not always possible and can take time. We recommend that you discuss private assessments with your GP first.

3. ADHD Screening Bookings and Referrals

Where do appointments take place?

ADHD Foundation 2nd Floor 54 St James Street Liverpool Merseyside L1 0AB.

How do I refer myself or someone else for an assessment?

Simply complete and return our ADHD referral form (6-15 or 18-60) to [email protected]. We accept self-referrals and referrals from practitioners. When completing the referral form, please ensure that all the information is correct. Failure to disclose information, such as medication or other conditions diagnosed may result in invalid/unusable test results. In some cases we may not be able to release the QbTest results. Please ensure you have ticked if you want a QbTest OR QbCheck. If you choose the QbCheck you will need to return the consent document too.

Can I book for another person who is over 18?

If you are a parent/carer/friend/spouse/employer referring someone to access the assessment who is 18 or older we will need the client’s consent to proceed. For GDPR reasons, we cannot accept referrals without the client’s consent. If you are a parent/carer/friend/spouse/ employer referring or paying for the appointment, we will not be able to discuss any aspects of the appointment with you unless the client has given us their express consent. This includes details on the status of their assessment, appointment dates, and any results outcomes. We will not share any results unless requested by the client. If the client was 17 at the point of referral and has turned 18 while accessing our service, the same policy will apply, and we will not disclose any information about their assessment without their consent.

What is your cancellation policy?

You may cancel your appointment, but all bookings are non-refundable.

What if the client needs to re-book the QbTest, QbCheck, or Interview appointment?

If you contact us to re-book the appointment more than 5 working days before the appointment is due, there is no additional charge. If you contact us to re-book the appointment less than 5 working days before the appointment is due then there is an £100 re-booking fee. If you do not attend your appointment and then call to re-book, there is an £100 fee for the new appointment. The new appointment will not be booked until the payment is made.

What if the client does not attend the QbTest, QbCheck, or Interview appointment?

If you wish to re-book the appointment you will be subject to the £100 re-booking fee. The new appointment will not be booked until the payment is made.

What if the client is late to the appointment?

If the client is less than 15 minutes late to the appointment, we will be able to proceed with the appointment as we will still have sufficient time. If they are more than 15 minutes late, we will not have time to complete the appointment and the appointment would need to be re-booked. This will be subject to the £100 re-booking fee which must be paid before we can re-book. In special circumstances the re-booking fee can be wavered, but this needs to be approved by the business director. It can take between 3-5 business days to make a decision.

What are your policies with regards to Covid-19?

If the client is unable to attend the appointment due to the Coronavirus, then they will be able to re-book their appointment without incurring any charges. Please be advised that we will not be able to re-fund the appointment, we will only be able to re-arrange it for a new date that suits the client. In some cases, we will need to see a copy of the Covid-19 test results. If the Psychologist is concerned that the client is showing symptoms of Coronavirus, they will be asked to vacate the premises immediately and the appointment will be re-booked. This will not be subject to any re-booking fees, but the ADHD Foundation will not reimburse any travel fees incurred.

Donate today