ADHD ASSESSMENTS

If you have been wondering whether your child may have ADHD, you are not alone. Many families seek an assessment when their child is struggling with attention, behaviour, emotional regulation, or school performance.

A comprehensive ADHD assessment can provide clarity about your child’s strengths and challenges, along with practical recommendations for home and school.

Our goal is not simply to provide a diagnosis, but to help you better understand your child and support them to thrive.

Common Signs of ADHD in Children

ADHD can present differently in each child. Some children may appear highly active and impulsive, while others may seem quiet but struggle with attention and organisation.

Common signs may include:

  • Difficulty focusing or following instructions

  • Forgetfulness and losing belongings

  • Disorganisation and trouble completing tasks

  • Fidgeting or difficulty sitting still

  • Restlessness or constant movement

  • Impulsive behaviour such as interrupting or blurting out answers

  • Strong emotions or difficulty managing frustration

ADHD can sometimes occur alongside other concerns such as anxiety, learning difficulties, or emotional challenges. A thorough assessment helps identify the full picture.

What the Assessment Process Involves

A comprehensive ADHD assessment involves gathering information from multiple sources to understand your child’s development, behaviour, and functioning across settings.

Parent Interview and Developmental History

The assessment begins with a detailed parent interview covering:

  • Early development and medical history

  • Emotional and behavioural concerns

  • Family history

  • Sleep and daily routines

  • School experiences

Parent and Teacher Questionnaires

Standardised questionnaires are completed by parents and teachers to assess:

  • Attention and hyperactivity symptoms

  • Behaviour and emotional regulation

  • Executive functioning skills

Input from both home and school is important for an accurate assessment.

Child Assessment Sessions

Your child will attend one or more sessions with the psychologist. These sessions may include activities designed to assess:

  • Attention and concentration

  • Impulse control

  • Behaviour and emotional functioning

School and Learning Review

Where relevant, school reports and teacher feedback are reviewed to understand academic progress and classroom functioning.

Feedback and Written Report

Following the assessment, parents attend a feedback session to discuss:

  • Assessment findings

  • Whether ADHD criteria are met

  • Your child’s strengths and areas of difficulty

  • Practical recommendations

You will receive a detailed written report that can be shared with schools and health professionals if needed.

Treatment Recommendations

Assessment reports include individualised recommendations based on your child’s needs. These may include:

  • Parent coaching and behavioural strategies

  • Psychological therapy

  • Emotional regulation and executive functioning support

  • School-based supports and learning adjustments

  • Referral for medication consultation where appropriate

Possible School Accommodations

Where appropriate, the report may include recommendations to support your child at school. These may include:

  • Preferential seating to reduce distractions

  • Scheduled movement breaks

  • Extra time for tests and assignments

  • Breaking tasks into smaller steps

  • Visual schedules and reminders

  • Reduced distractions during independent work

  • Access to a quiet testing space

Recommendations are tailored to each child and designed to support learning and wellbeing.

Home Strategies

Many families find that small adjustments at home can make a meaningful difference. Common recommendations may include:

  • Consistent daily routines

  • Use of checklists and visual reminders

  • Timers to support transitions and task completion

  • Structured homework routines

  • Positive reinforcement systems

  • Emotional regulation strategies

Our Approach

The purpose of an ADHD assessment is not to label a child, but to understand how they learn, think, and experience the world.

With the right support, children with ADHD can develop confidence, resilience, and strong skills for school and everyday life.

Enquiries

If you would like to learn more about ADHD assessments or discuss whether an assessment may be appropriate for your child, please contact our practice.