ADHD Assessments
Understanding ADHD
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with day-to-day life.
Symptoms and Signs
Symptoms typically appear before age 12 and can include difficulty sustaining attention, forgetfulness, excessive fidgeting, and interrupting others.
ADHD can affect academic and occupational perfomance, and interpersonal relationships.
People with ADHD often have other conditions too, like depression, anxiety, sleep problems, or issues with substance abuse in adults, and conduct or school performance issues in children/teens. These are referred to as “comorbid” conditions.
Importance of Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD is crucial because it provides a clear understanding of the challenges an individual faces, allowing for targeted and effective treatments such as behavioural therapy and medication.
This diagnosis and subsequent treatment can significantly improve academic, occupational, and social functioning by addressing difficulties with attention, memory, and impulsivity.
It also facilitates access to necessary resources and special considerations in educational and work settings, offering crucial support.
Early diagnosis can prevent the development of secondary issues like anxiety and depression, ultimately leading to a better quality of life and enabling individuals to achieve their full potential.
Our Assessment Process
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INITIAL CONSULTATION & CLINICAL INTERVIEW
Meet with the individual and their family to discuss concerns and gather background information. Includes conducting a detailed interview focusing on symptoms and their impact on daily functioning, and reviewing the individual's medical, psychiatric, and developmental history. Takes approximately 60-90 minutes.
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RATING SCALES
Use standardised ADHD rating scales and questionnaires completed by the individual and, in some circumstances, parents and teachers.
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TESTING
Assess various cognitive abilities, such as attention, memory, abstract reasoning and processing speed through cognitive and neuropsychological testing.
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DIAGNOSIS & RECOMMENDATIONS
Analyse all gathered data to determine if the individual meets the criteria for ADHD and generate a tailored set of recommendations and strategies. This may include a treatment plan.
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FEEDBACK CONSULTATION
Provide feedback to the individual and their family explaining strategies and recommendations. This may include consultation with referrers and schools where required. A full written report will also be provided.
Duration
The initial consultation and interview combined with cognitive testing take 3-4 hours.
A 60-minute feedback session is scheduled for 2-3 weeks after consultation and testing.
Tools & methods used
We use standardised rating scales and questionnaires, validated diagnostic interviews, and objective cognitive assessments, which include verbal, pen-and-paper, computerised, and puzzle tasks.
Collection of collateral information via school and medical reports and interviews with family members and teachers enables a comprehensive analysis of symptoms and their impact on daily activities.
Why choose us for your ADHD Assessment?
Professional Qualifications
Our team includes professionals with PhDs, Masters in Clinical Psychology, and post-graduate training in cognitive assessments. Our clinical psychologists have advanced training in cognitive and neuropsychological assessments.
Experience and Specialisation
With over a decade of experience in this field, we offer thorough assessments that include valuable insights from family and schools. We carefully consider differential diagnoses to ensure the most accurate results.
Our comprehensive assessments are designed to address your unique needs. They evaluate cognitive functioning and mental health, allowing us to tailor treatment plans to each individual's cognitive profile.
This approach ensures optimal effectiveness, especially for clients dealing with comorbid conditions and those who are neurodiverse.
For school aged children we liaise with schools and teachers to support learning and academic performance.
Our practice is dedicated to providing a comprehensive, holistic approach to ADHD assessment and treatment. We emphasise collaboration with clients and their families, ensuring that every treatment plan is tailored to the individual’s unique needs. Our team’s extensive training and experience in ADHD and related conditions ensure that you receive the highest standard of care.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your question is not answered below, please give our friendly team a call.
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Currently, we offer assessment services for children and adolescents (aged 8+) and adults.
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Remember to bring glasses or hearing aids if required.
Bring any relevant test results, school reports, imaging reports, or other medical information.
Ensure a good night’s sleep beforehand.
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We prefer in-session appointments for consultations and testing, but the feedback sessions can be conducted via telehealth.
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Your clinician will score and analyse the results and write a detailed report.
We will schedule a follow-up appointment 2-3 weeks after your initial appointment to provide the report and give detailed feedback on the results, including diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
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We have a range of assessment packages, tailored to your referral status and needs, starting from $2,000.
There are also different payment options available.
Please call our friendly team to discuss which solution would best suit your circumstances.
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While we accept self-referrals, a referral from a doctor, psychologist or specialist is recommended as this provides additional information relevant to the assessment.
Please call us to provide more information on your specific situation so we can advise on claims and payment options.
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Please call us to discuss your specific situation so we can advise on claim and payment options.