ADHD Assessments
At Sutherland Psychology we provide assessments for children and adults who have traits of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), to help people better understand themselves and access appropriate supports. The assessment process is in-depth and requires feedback from both the individual and others who know them well. A diagnostic report may be provided where necessary.
Registered and Clinical Psychologists can assess and diagnose ADHD under the Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for ADHD. However, please note that psychologists cannot prescribe medication for ADHD. Only a Psychiatrist or Paediatrician can do this.
All of our practitioners are experts in identifying and treating ADHD. Often clients come to therapy because of anxious or depressive symptoms, and during the course of therapy the treating psychologist becomes aware of ADHD symptoms. On these occasions your psychologist will discuss the benefits of completing an ADHD assessment as part of your treatment.
Benefits of being assessed by a Psychologist
We provide an in-depth assessment that spans over three sessions and utilises interviews, self-reporting and questionnaires, along with feedback from family members and, if appropriate, school staff.
Where applicable we provide detailed reports explaining the diagnosis as well as recommendations for what to do next.
Our wait times are often shorter than Psychiatrists and Paediatricians.
We can provide therapy and strategies to help manage your ADHD symptoms and associated challenges.
Not everyone who undergoes an assessment will have ADHD. The assessment process can still be helpful in identifying your areas of concern and developing strategies to help you manage them.
When it may be necessary to see a Psychiatrist or Paediatrician
If you are seeking medication you will need to consult a psychiatrist or paediatrician and they will need to confirm your diagnosis before prescribing medication. We can provide your specialist with the information gathered during your assessment to assist with their diagnosis. When making your specialist appointment we recommend you enquire whether a psychologist assessment will reduce the time and cost of their service. We can recommend specialists who will use our assessments as part of their diagnostic process.
ADHD Assessments for Children
As parents, you may notice your child is developing differently than other children. Or perhaps a school teacher or medical professional has suggested your child should seek assessment. This can be a daunting process but understanding your child and recognising the kind of support they may need is a positive and important step for all involved.
Assessment Process
Session 1
This is a parent only session (depending on the age of the child) to discuss the child’s developmental history, current challenges and any other relevant information. Questionnaires are completed by parents and, in the case of school age children, at least one teacher. This information will inform the decision to proceed with the next part of the assessment process. At this point your psychologist will advise whether further exploration of an ADHD diagnosis is warranted.
Session 2
This is a Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Young People (Young Diva-5) session, held with the child present.
School Consultation
A phone consultation will be held with relevant school staff in order to gather information about the child’s learning and behaviour within the school setting.
Session 3
This is a feedback session, during which time families are provided with a report and recommendations about next steps and how to seek further support.
Please note assessments may be provided remotely via Telehealth in some cases. Contact the clinic for more information.
ADHD Assessments for Adults
ADHD can be missed during childhood for a number of reasons but neurodivergent adults often feel different from their peers and face unique challenges. Undiagnosed adults can be particularly skilled at ‘masking’ or ‘camouflaging’ their difficulties and, as a result, others may not even recognise the difficulties being experienced.
With an understanding of how daunting the process of diagnosis can be, we aim to be as prompt as we can be with assessment and feedback. We focus on ensuring the process is inclusive and neuroaffirming and offer follow up therapy, where desired.
Assessment Process
To diagnose ADHD the symptoms need to have been present in childhood. We will ask for information from someone who has known you as a child, and copies of school reports if you have them. We understand this is not always possible. If you don’t have someone to fulfil this requirement please discuss with your psychologist as it does not need to be a barrier to diagnosis.
Session 1
This is an initial consultation to discuss current challenges, personal history and any other relevant information. Questionnaires are completed by the individual and someone who knows you well as an adult, and ideally someone who knew you well during childhood. This information will inform the decision to proceed with the next part of the assessment process. At this point your psychologist will advise whether further exploration of an ADHD diagnosis is warranted.
Session 2
This is a Diagnostic Interview for ADHD (Diva-5) session, a 1 hour session with the individual.
Report Writing
While many people request a report so they have formal confirmation of their diagnosis—as well as to take to Psychiatrists, GPs or other professionals—a report is not always necessary. If you would like to be assessed but do not require a formal report, please let your psychologist know.
Session 3
This is a feedback session, during which time the individual will be provided with a report (if necessary) and recommendations about next steps and how to seek further support. Individuals will also be provided with psychoeducation about ADHD if applicable.
Please note assessments may be provided face to face or via Telehealth.