Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Picton Psychology has been providing comprehensive ADHD assessments since 2013. Our team of experienced psychologists have extensive experience in administering ADHD assessments. With our decades of experience, you can be confident that you will receive an accurate, evidence-informed differential diagnosis from Picton Psychology.
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder. It is commonly diagnosed in childhood and often persists into adulthood. ADHD is considered a chronic disorder and can significantly impact various aspects of life across different age groups. The challenge it presents with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity can affect academic or work performance, making it harder to focus, organise tasks, and sustain attention on specific activities.
ADHD may interfere with communication, patience, and the ability to manage emotions, leading to difficulties in maintaining healthy relationships. Daily functioning, such as time management, organisational skills, and completing tasks, can be more challenging for individuals with ADHD.
ADHD can have substantial psychological impacts. Children might struggle with self-esteem due to academic or social difficulties, whilst adults might face similar professional issues and heightened sensitivity to criticism.
ADHD can also lead to poor self-esteem and social functioning issues in children, when not appropriately treated. Adults with ADHD may also experience poor self-worth, sensitivity towards criticism, and increased self-criticism.
There are three different ways ADHD may occur:
- Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: It is hard for the individual to organise or finish a task, pay attention to details, or follow instructions or conversations.
- Predominately Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: The individual fidgets and talks a lot, may feel restless and have trouble with impulsivity.
- Combined Presentation: Symptoms of the above two types are present in equal amounts.
The Assessment Process
Step 1) Get in touch
Contact our friendly team who will answer any questions and schedule a time for you to have an initial consultation with one of our psychologists
Step 2) Initial Consultation
The next step is to meet you to complete a comprehensive developmental history and provide relevant ADHD screeners.
Who attends?
- For children 12 years old and under, only parents/caregivers will attend, so we can learn more about your child’s experiences and needs. Please note we can provide assessments to children aged from 10 years old.
- For children 13 years old and above, children can accompany their parents/caregivers
- For adults, you can attend individually, parents/caregivers can accompany
Important note: Your psychologist will explore behaviours and concerns experienced during childhood. Adults may have difficulties recalling childhood information having a parent/caregiver/family member is often helpful and valuable for diagnostic purposes.
How long is the appointment?
You can expect the initial consultation to last between 1 ½ to 2 hours, in some cases it may be less or more.
Step 3) Assessment
The next step is to provide the formal assessment. For children this may need to be completed over one or two sessions
Who attends?
Your psychologist will contact you after the initial consultations to discuss in detail the assessment requirements.
To properly diagnose ADHD, a child or adult should have a combination of psychological assessment (cognitive testing) and clinical diagnostic interviews. Multiple assessment methods ensure accuracy and a thorough understanding of the individual’s symptoms and functioning in various settings.
Questionnaires will also be utilised. Clients may complete self-report questionnaires. Family members or teachers (for school aged children) may also be asked to complete questionnaires. Clients may also be asked to provide school reports or other supporting documentation.
How long is the appointment?
You can expect the assessment process to last between 1 ½ to 2 hours, in some cases it may be less or more.
Step 4) Psychologist completes your report
We spend about 2 to 3 weeks preparing a comprehensive report based on the test results, questionnaires, and additional information gathered during the assessment process. Taking the time and precision provides you with a detailed assessment of symptoms, strengths and challenges across various domains. This process provides an accurate diagnosis and tailored intervention plans and recommendations to support you in managing ADHD related difficulties effectively.
Step 5) Feedback
Once the report is finished, you have the opportunity to have a feedback session to discuss the results and any recommendations or next steps.