The options compared
| Option | Who does it | Typical time | Typical cost | What you get | Can it diagnose? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rating questionnaire (Vanderbilt, SDQ) | Parent and teacher fill it in; a clinician scores it | 10–20 minutes | Free to low | Symptom scores | No, not on its own |
| Pediatrician visit | Your child's doctor | One consultation | Consultation fee | Developmental check and referral | Can start the process; refers on |
| Clinical psychologist assessment | RCI-registered clinical psychologist | Several hours, often over 2–3 visits | About ₹5,000–₹25,000 (private) | Test scores and a written report | Contributes to diagnosis |
| Child psychiatrist | Doctor with an MD in psychiatry | One to several visits | About ₹1,500–₹3,000 per consultation (private) | Diagnosis and treatment plan | Yes |
| Developmental pediatrician | Pediatrician trained in development and behaviour | One to several visits | Consultation fee | Diagnosis and treatment plan | Yes |
| Government hospital clinic (e.g. NIMHANS, AIIMS) | Multidisciplinary team | Waits can run to months | Free or low cost | Full evaluation | Yes |
| Game-based observation (Mores) | Your child plays; you get the report | About 12 minutes | ₹499 per session | Plain-word report of 16 behaviour markers | No |
Prices vary widely by city, clinic and how many tests are done. See what a child assessment costs in India for the detail and sources.
How to choose where to start
- Write down what you have noticed for two weeks: what happened, where, and how often. The free observation checklist helps.
- Ask the teacher whether they see the same thing at school.
- See your pediatrician. They can check sleep, hearing, vision and development, and refer you to the right specialist.
- Book a specialist if your pediatrician recommends it. See psychologist vs psychiatrist vs developmental pediatrician.
A game-based report such as Mores can come before or alongside step 3 as an extra set of examples. It does not replace any of these steps.
Checking a professional's qualifications
In India, clinical psychologists who conduct psychological assessments should be registered with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). Child psychiatrists hold an MD or DNB in psychiatry. You can ask any clinic for these details before booking.
Common questions
- What is the cheapest way to get a child assessed in India?
- Government hospital clinics are free or low cost, but waits can be long. A pediatrician visit is a low-cost first step that can lead to a referral.
- Can a school counsellor assess my child?
- A school counsellor can share what they observe and may use screening questionnaires, but a diagnosis needs a qualified clinician.
- Is an online assessment valid?
- Some clinicians assess partly online. A full evaluation usually needs history from you and information from school. Ask what the online assessment includes and who reviews it.
Not a diagnosis. This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you are worried about your child, talk to your pediatrician. Written by the Mores Health team from the sources below; it has not yet been reviewed by a clinician.