ADHD assessments
What is ADHD?
In the past many people thought ADHD only affected children and that they would ‘grow out of it’. A common ADHD stereotype is a primary school aged boy who talks loudly, can’t sit still, disrupts others and gets in trouble a lot for not doing their work. As a result of this, many children and/or adults with ADHD who do not fit within this stereotype have slipped through the cracks. This is particularly true for females, who often learn to mask their symptoms from a relatively early age.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder that begins in early childhood. It affects the brain’s executive functioning — the ability to self-regulate and control thoughts, words, actions and emotions. Inattention and/or hyperactivity can impact on how individuals function at school, work and in relationships. There are 3 types of ADHD. Inattentive, Hyperactive Impulsive and Combined.
Signs of ADHD Inattentive type can include:
Difficulty Paying Attention: You might find it hard to stay focused on tasks, like listening to someone speak or completing school or work assignments. Your mind might wander, making it tough to concentrate for long periods.
Easily Distracted: Even when you try to concentrate, you can get easily sidetracked by things happening around you. Noises, movements, or even your own thoughts can pull your attention away from what you’re supposed to be doing.
Forgetfulness: You might frequently forget important things, like appointments, deadlines, or where you put your keys or phone. It’s not that you don’t care; your brain just has a hard time keeping track of everything sometimes.
Disorganization: Keeping things neat and organized can feel like a constant struggle. Your desk, room, or backpack might often be messy, and you might have trouble planning and prioritizing tasks.
Difficulty Following Through: You might have lots of great ideas and intentions, but following through on them can be tough. Starting tasks might be easy, but finishing them can feel like climbing a mountain sometimes.
Avoiding Tasks Requiring Sustained Mental Effort: Tasks that require a lot of mental effort or attention, especially if they’re not very interesting to you, can feel like a real challenge. You might find yourself procrastinating or avoiding them altogether.
Daydreaming: Your mind might frequently wander off into daydreams or unrelated thoughts, even during conversations or when you’re supposed to be focusing on something important.
Difficulty Following Instructions: You might find it hard to follow through on instructions, especially if they’re complex or if there are a lot of steps involved. This can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or mistakes.
Signs of hyperactive Impuslive ADHD can include:
Constant Movement: You might find it hard to sit still for long periods. Even when you’re supposed to be quiet and calm, like in class or during a meeting, you might feel the urge to fidget, tap your feet, or squirm in your seat.
Restlessness: You often feel like you have a lot of energy that needs to be released. It’s like there’s a constant buzz inside you, making it difficult to relax or stay calm.
Impulsivity: You tend to act quickly without thinking things through. This might mean blurting out answers in class before the teacher finishes asking a question or making decisions without considering the consequences first.
Difficulty Waiting Your Turn: Patience isn’t your strong suit. You might find it hard to wait your turn in line, take turns during games or conversations, or wait for others to finish speaking before jumping in.
Interrupting Others: Sometimes, it feels like your thoughts are bursting out of you, and you just have to share them right away, even if it means interrupting someone else who’s speaking.
Risk-Taking Behavior: You might be drawn to risky or adventurous activities without fully considering the potential dangers. This could include things like reckless driving, experimenting with drugs or alcohol, or engaging in extreme sports without proper safety precautions.
Difficulty with Organization: Keeping things neat and organized can feel like a real challenge. You might have trouble keeping track of your belongings, remembering deadlines, or following through on tasks that require planning and organization.
Remember, everyone’s experience with ADHD is unique, so you might not have all of these symptoms, or you might experience them to different degrees.
Combined ADHD includes symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. Signs of combined ADHD can include:
Difficulty Paying Attention: You might struggle to focus on tasks or conversations, finding your mind wandering even when you try to concentrate.
Restlessness and Fidgeting: You often feel like you need to move around, whether it’s tapping your feet, shifting in your seat, or getting up and pacing.
Impulsivity: Sometimes, you act without thinking, making quick decisions or saying things impulsively without considering the consequences.
Forgetfulness: You frequently forget important things, like appointments, deadlines, or where you put your belongings, despite your efforts to remember.
Interrupting and Talking Excessively: It’s hard to wait your turn in conversations, and you might find yourself interrupting others or talking excessively, sometimes even blurting out comments or thoughts.
Difficulty Following Instructions: You struggle to follow through on instructions, often missing important details or becoming easily distracted before completing tasks.
Poor Time Management: You have trouble managing your time effectively, leading to procrastination, missed deadlines, or feeling overwhelmed by tasks.
Impatience and Frustration: Waiting for things to happen or for others to catch up can be really frustrating for you, leading to impatience and irritability.
In order to provide a comprehensive ADHD assessment for a child or teen, we need to get information from parents/primary care givers and teachers. We do this via clinical interviews with parents/primary care givers and psychometric testing (online). Your child or adolescent will also need to complete a cognitive assessment to rule out other reasons for their symptoms.
Once the Psychologist has all the information included the completed psychometric forms from parents/primary care givers and the school, then they will review and analyse this information to see if your child or adolescent has ADHD.
They will then write a detailed report which focuses on recommendations and practical strategies for assisting your child or adolescent. Once the report is complete, the psychologist will meet with the parents/primary care givers to provide feedback and recommendations.
To find out more about booking an appointment please call 4722-3137 during business hours Monday to Friday. Our friendly admin team will guide you through the assessment process and they will send you a follow up email so that you have everything in writing for easy reference.
The short version is that you will need to meet with a Psychologist so that they can find out about your symptoms and how they impact on your day to day life. You will also need to complete psychometric testing online.
Your Psychologist will then use this information to assess whether you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They will write a detailed report focusing on recommendations, and then meet with you to provide feedback.
To find out more about booking an appointment please call 4722-3137 during business hours Monday to Friday. Our friendly admin team will guide you through the assessment process and they will send you a follow up email so that you have everything in writing for easy reference.
No, Psychologists can diagnose ADHD but they cannot prescribe medication. If medication is recommended then you will need to see a Paediatrician (if under 18) or a Psychiatrist to discuss the pros and cons of medication.
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- Accurate Diagnosis: ADHD symptoms can sometimes overlap with those of other conditions like anxiety or depression. A psychologist trained in ADHD assessment can conduct a thorough evaluation to differentiate between ADHD and other possible issues. An accurate diagnosis is essential for developing an effective treatment plan and understanding oneself better.
- Comprehensive Understanding: ADHD assessment goes beyond just looking at symptoms. It involves understanding how ADHD impacts various aspects of life, including academic or work performance, relationships, and daily functioning. A psychologist can provide insights into these areas, helping individuals gain a better understanding of their strengths and challenges.
- Non-Medication Interventions: While medication can be a helpful part of managing ADHD for some individuals, it’s not the only option. A psychologist can offer non-medication interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), executive functioning coaching, or organizational skills training. These interventions can teach coping strategies, improve time management, and enhance overall functioning.
- Advocacy and Support: A formal ADHD assessment can provide documentation that may be necessary for accommodations in academic or work settings. Psychologists can offer guidance on requesting accommodations and provide support throughout the process. Additionally, having a formal diagnosis can help individuals advocate for themselves in various areas of life, including accessing appropriate support services and resources
No, a GP referral is not required for an assessment. However, as your GP is your primary health care provider it is beneficial to keep them up to date regarding any concerns you have regarding your well-being.
There are currently no medicare rebates available for ADHD assessments.