ADHD Assessments

What is ADHD?

• ADHD, is short for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, previously termed Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD).
• There are three subtypes of ADHD based on predominant symptoms: Predominantly Inattentive Presentation, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation, and Combined Presentation.
• But ADHD Is not a behavioural disorder, it is a neurodevelopmental condition with childhood onset.
• Children with ADHD often present with pervasive and impairing symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.  They struggle with maintaining focus, sustaining mental effort, staying organized, and controlling their impulses. They may also exhibit hyperactivity and be easily distracted, making it challenging for them to engage in tasks or activities effectively.
• ADHD is typically diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or pediatrician. The process usually involves gathering information from multiple sources, including parents, teachers, and clinical observation of the child. The evaulation process will also rule out other possible explanations of the symptoms.
• To meet the diagnosis of ADHD symptoms must be present before the age of 12 years, persist for over 6 months, and be present across multiple settings (school, home). These symptoms must cause profound impairment in social, behavioural, and academic functioning. 
• ·While the exact cause is not fully understood, it’s believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Treatment often involves a combination of medication, therapy, and behavioral interventions tailored to the child’s needs.

Without evidence-based interventions, ongoing support, and suitable accommodations, ADHD can lead to significant academic impairment, strained relationships, risk-taking behaviors, and low self-esteem. Additionally, ADHD is often accompanied by comorbid conditions such as depression, anxiety, learning disabilities, and other externalizing disorders (such as conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder). 

What does an ADHD Assessment involve?

Please note that the assessment is not a targeted ADHD assessment - but a neurodevelopment assessment.  While ADHD may be suspected, its important to assess for all aspects of neurodevelopment that may be affecting your child:

For children age 7 -12 years old

(adolscents 13 + will have a one on one interview and a shorter parent interview)

Step 1:  Initial Information Gathering: (2 weeks prior to appointment)

This includes:

• consent form to be completed by parents
• Information form to be completed by school
• School reports, medical reports and any recent Educational/ Cognitive Psychology Assessment reports

Step 2: Comprehensive Parent Interview  - 2 hours (parents only)

Step 3: Observation of Child and WISC-V Assessment (if required) - 1/2 - 1 hour or 2 hours for children over 13 years.

Step 4: Further Assessment (depending on results from above)

• ABAS adaptive assessment completed online by both teacher and parent.
• Conners 4 ADHD Rating Scale completed online by both parent and teacher.

Step 5: Diagnostic Report

A comprehensive report analysing all the results with a formal diagnosis is written and emailed to parents.

Step 6: Feedback session - 50 minutes (parents only)

Time to discuss the findings and next steps