ADHD Assessment

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect a person’s ability to focus, control impulses and regulate activity levels. ADHD can affect individuals quite differently, with some individuals expressing greater levels of hyperactivity while others may experience primarily inattentive symptoms or difficulties with planning and organisation.

It is important to note that ADHD is not a result of poor parenting or a lack of discipline but rather a neurodevelopmental condition that becomes evident in childhood and persists through adulthood.

Why is a diagnosis important?

• An ADHD assessment can help develop the right strategies to improve focus, manage activity levels, harness strengths, and develop strategies to help individuals achieve their full potential.
• A formal diagnosis aids access to targeted supports, such as behavioural therapy.
• To distinguish between ADHD and other difficulties that can present as concentration difficulties, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
• To aid access to school and workplace supports, such as special provisions for exams and classroom adjustments to reduce disruptions to learning.
• To improve parent/carer knowledge on how to guide and foster your child’s potential and reduce tensions at home.

What is involved?

A complete and best practice ADHD assessment includes an assessment of attention and executive functioning, and a cognitive (IQ) assessment. This process helps to identify and rule out other conditions such as anxiety, learning difficulties, and issues with specific areas of cognitive functioning. This comprehensive evaluation offers insight into how cognitive strengths and difficulties may affect daily living.

For a complete ADHD diagnosis, symptoms of ADHD must be present in more than one context; therefore, our ADHD assessment involves collecting corroborating evidence from parents, teachers, or other external settings. This may include questionnaires and interviews with parents and teachers, and (when required) observation at school.

Our ADHD Assessments are comprehensive and offer clarity and direction for individuals experiencing challenges with attention, impulsivity and regulation.

If you suspect your child may have ADHD and would like further information or to get started on developing strategies to support their strengths, please check out our webinar with Clinical Psychologist Karen Butterworth (Click here to view Webinar)

What does the process look like?

The process is structured, collaborative, and tailored to the individual. It typically includes:

Initial Consultation (face to face or telehealth)

• A biopsychosocial interview to explore developmental history, current concerns, medical background, and family context.
• Discussion of goals and expectations.
• Review of school reports, previous assessments, and other relevant documents
• The initial consultation is predominantly information gathering to ensure that appropriate tests are administered and that any recommendations are individually tailored.

Duration: 90 minutes.

Questionnaires

• Following your initial assessment, your clinician may electronically issue relevant questionnaires and assessments to be completed by each parent/carer/client and, where appropriate, teachers.

Duration: Each questionnaire is approximately 10-15 minutes.

Face-to Face Testing

• Your psychologist will recommend and administer a series of standardised tests, usually the WISC-V or WAIS-5, Conners CPT and tests of executive functioning.
• Testing is typically completed in the morning to maximise alertness and reduce the risk of mental fatigue influencing the results.
• The duration of testing varies depending on the tests required and child-specific factors such as motivation, alertness and concentration.

Duration: 2-3 hours, which may be split across two days to capitalise on an individual’s focus and alertness.

Feedback Session

• A collaborative discussion of findings
• Review of questionnaires completed by the individual, parents and teachers/observers
• Opportunity to ask questions and clarify results
• Recommendations for support, therapy, or accommodations

Duration: 60-90 minutes

Comprehensive Report

• A detailed document summarising the assessment, diagnosis (if applicable), and tailored recommendations.
• Useful for accessing services, school supports, or workplace accommodations.

What is the cost?

The cost of an ADHD Assessment is dependent on several factors, including the number of questionnaires, the complexity of the presenting issue, and the specific testing required. At Approach Psychology, our assessments are administered only by Clinical Psychologists and Clinical Psychology Registrars who have undertaken specialist and extended university-level training in administering and interpreting Psychometric Assessments.

For a personalised quote, please speak to our friendly reception team on 0478 763 163 or Click Here.