ADHD
The ADHD assessment process involves an initial consultation with parents to discuss traits of ADHD using a psychometric assessment as well as discussing any current concerns to help inform the assessment process and recommendations. The assessment process will include questionnaires with parents and teachers, and will include cognitive, academic and attentional testing. Interviews with teachers may also be included if appropriate. The completed report contains recommendations containing neuro-affirming skillbuilding and support for the child, parents and teachers to be implemented at home, in the community and at school.
Parents and Carers frequently ask....
How do I know if my child needs an ADHD assessment?
Children may benefit from an ADHD assessment if they experience persistent difficulties with attention, impulsivity and/or hyperactivity that are affecting their learning, friendships or daily functioning. Some children may seem easily distracted, forgetful or disorganised, while others may struggle to sit still, wait their turn or regulate their emotions. An assessment helps determine whether ADHD may explain these challenges and identifies your child's strengths and support needs.
What happens during an ADHD assessment?
An ADHD assessment involves gathering information from multiple sources to build a comprehensive understanding of your child's development and functioning. This may include a parent interview, questionnaires completed by parents and teachers, review of school information, direct assessment with your child and, where appropriate, cognitive or academic testing. Recommendations are based on the complete clinical picture rather than a single test.
Can girls have ADHD?
Yes. ADHD can present differently in girls than in boys. Girls are often less hyperactive and may instead appear daydreamy, quiet, anxious or highly organised on the surface while working very hard to keep up. Because these differences can be less obvious, many girls are identified later than boys. A comprehensive assessment considers the diverse ways ADHD can present across children and adolescents.
Can my child have both ADHD and autism?
Yes. ADHD and autism frequently occur together, and many children experience characteristics of both. A comprehensive assessment considers whether one or both conditions may best explain your child's experiences, ensuring recommendations are tailored to their unique strengths and needs.
Will my child receive a diagnosis?
If your child's presentation meets the relevant diagnostic criteria and there is sufficient evidence across settings, a diagnosis may be provided. In some cases, the assessment may identify other factors contributing to your child's difficulties or recommend further assessment. Regardless of the outcome, families receive clear recommendations to support their child's development and wellbeing.
Will the assessment help my child's school to help support them?
Yes. Your assessment report includes practical recommendations that can help teachers better understand your child's learning profile and implement strategies to support attention, organisation, emotional regulation and classroom participation.
Does ADHD always mean a child is hyperactive?
No. ADHD has three recognised presentations: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive and combined presentation. Some children are constantly on the go, while others are quiet but struggle to sustain attention, organise tasks or remember instructions.
Can anxiety look like ADHD?
Yes. Anxiety, learning difficulties, sleep problems, trauma and other developmental differences can sometimes affect attention and behaviour in ways that resemble ADHD. A comprehensive assessment considers these factors to better understand your child's individual profile.
What happens after an ADHD diagnosis?
Following an ADHD assessment, families receive a detailed report outlining your child's strengths, areas of difficulty and practical recommendations. These may include classroom accommodations, strategies for home, psychological support and, where appropriate, referral to a paediatrician or psychiatrist to discuss medication as one part of a broader management plan.
What are executive functioning skills?
Executive functioning skills are the mental processes that help us plan, organise, remember information, manage time, regulate emotions and complete tasks. Many children with ADHD experience executive functioning difficulties, which can affect schoolwork, daily routines and independence.
Can ADHD be diagnosed in preschool-aged children?
ADHD can sometimes be identified in younger children, but behaviours must be considered within the context of typical development. A comprehensive assessment explores whether attention, activity levels and impulse control are significantly different from what would be expected for a child's age.
Does ADHD affect learning?
ADHD does not affect intelligence, but it can impact a child's ability to focus, organise information, complete work and manage tasks. These challenges can influence academic performance despite a child having strong cognitive abilities. An assessment helps identify both strengths and areas where additional support may be beneficial.
Is ADHD hereditary?
Research suggests that ADHD has a strong genetic component. It is common for other family members to have ADHD or similar attention and executive functioning differences, although each person's experiences and support needs may vary.