ADHD Assessments

How do we test for ADHD?

NorthPsych offers a streamlined and collaborative service, which spans assessment through to treatment. Our assessments give you insight into the way your brain works and what types of therapy are right for you.

Assessment can involve cognitive and academic testing, self-reporting, and questionnaires for family and friends. The process usually involves both a psychologist and a paediatrician/psychiatrist (depending on the client’s age).

We offering ongoing therapy, coaching and family support to significantly improve daily functioning and assist you in achieving your potential.

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Adult ADHD Assessments

ADHD can look different in adulthood than it does in childhood. Some adults have experienced difficulties for many years, while others only begin to recognise these patterns when the demands of work, study or everyday life become increasingly difficult to manage.

Adult ADHD may involve:

·       difficulty sustaining attention

·       procrastination and difficulty getting started

·       forgetfulness or frequently misplacing things

·       difficulties with organisation and time management

·       restlessness or a sense of being “on the go”

·       impulsivity and risk taking

·       difficulty regulating emotions

For some adults, these difficulties may have been masked by high levels of effort or compensatory strategies. The effort required to keep up can contribute to exhaustion or burnout.

Child & Adolescent ADHD Assessments

ADHD can affect children and adolescents in different ways, and difficulties may become more noticeable as the demands of school, friendships and independence grow.

ADHD in young people may involve:

·       difficulty sustaining attention or following instructions

·       forgetfulness and frequently losing belongings

·       difficulties with organisation and time management

·       difficulty starting or completing schoolwork

·       restlessness, hyperactivity or impulsivity

·       difficulty regulating emotions

·       challenges with learning or academic performance

·       difficulties within friendships

Our assessments also consider whether ADHD, or other developmental, learning or psychological factors may best explain the difficulties your child is experiencing.

What does the assessment process involve?

The assessment process involves a combination of clinical interviews, validated assessment measures, and information from relevant people or school records.

Assessment considers not only the presence of ADHD symptoms, but how these difficulties have developed over time, their impact on everyday functioning, and whether other psychological factors may also be contributing.

Following the assessment, a comprehensive written report is provided outlining the results, diagnostic conclusions and tailored recommendations. Findings are also discussed in a feedback consultation.

What is the Assessment process?

  • The first appointment is an intake appointment with your psychologist where you will discuss the reasons for seeking an assessment.

    You and you psychologist will discuss whether a full ADHD assessment is warranted and/or if other assessments may be more appropriate.

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  • After your diagnostic interview, you will be sent questionnaires assessing ADHD symptoms. These questionnaires compare your behaviours to people of your same age and gender and give a detailed profile of your cognitive strengths and weaknesses.

    You will also be given questionnaires to be completed by people who know you well. These people can include parents, siblings, partners or friends.

  • Your psychologist will prepare a comprehensive written report, including an analysis of your questionnaires, diagnostic impression and recommendations.

  • You will attend a follow-up feedback appointment after receiving your report. Your psychologist will discuss the results, answer any questions and help plan future interventions.

Adults

  • The first appointment is clinical interview with your psychologist, who will gather background information and ADHD symptoms you have observed in your child.

    In the case of school-aged children, this interview is with parents or guardians only. Parents can opt for older adolescents to attend this appointment.

  • Diagnostic questionnaires will be sent to be completed by a parent, teacher and/or your child to get a better understanding of symptoms and functioning.

  • Your child will attend an appointment in which cognitive and academic assessments will be administered.

    These tests are conducted in order to rule out or identify any other issues that may be contributing to your child’s difficulties. These tests also identify your child’s personal strengths and weaknesses, which informs what types of interventions are needed.

  • Your psychologist will prepare a comprehensive written report summarising the assessment interview, school reports, observations and the results of the questionnaires and psychometric tests. The report will also include their diagnostic impression and recommendations for future steps.

  • After the report is prepared, you will receive the report and attend a parents-only feedback session. You will discuss with your psychologist the results of the assessment, their recommendations and plan interventions. You psychologist will also answer any questions you have.

Children and Adolescents

How common is ADHD?

ADHD is one of the most common mental disorders in children and adolescents. It is estimated that 1 in 20 Australians have ADHD (which is about 5% of the population).

ADHD in kids + teens

It's normal for little kids to be distracted, restless, impatient or impulsive but for some kids these things continue and begin to cause problems at school and at home.

What causes ADHD?

It's not clear what causes the brain differences of ADHD, but there is strong evidence that ADHD is genetically linked.

If your child or teen is diagnosed with ADHD

There are many ways you can support your young person in managing an ADHD diagnosis.

How is ADHD treated?

Treatment for ADHD usually includes medication, behaviour therapy, practical skills training, parent education and school support.

ADHD in adults

For many years we thought that children grew out of ADHD. We now know that it is not that the ADHD goes away but that symptoms change.

What is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a psychiatric condition that causes differences in brain development and activity that affect many areas of daily function.

ADHD myths

Because ADHD isn’t fully understood, there are many myths around its causes, possible treatments, how it presents and the people who have it.