ADHD Assessment
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What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects both children and adults. It impacts attention, concentration, impulse control, and activity levels. Individuals with ADHD may experience difficulty focusing on tasks, controlling impulsive behaviours, or managing their energy levels in different settings. ADHD can significantly affect daily life, including work, school, and relationships.
At DevelopMental Health, we recognise that ADHD is often misunderstood, especially in children, and can sometimes be confused with other conditions like autism. This is why our assessments are designed to carefully consider the unique symptoms, behaviours, and history of each individual to provide an accurate diagnosis.
ADHD symptoms generally fall into three main categories: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Each individual may experience a unique combination of these symptoms.
Inattention
Struggling to stay focused, easily distracted, difficulty following instructions, making careless mistakes, or being disorganised.
Hyperactivity
Constant fidgeting, inability to sit still, excessive talking, or feeling restless, especially in situations where staying calm is required.
Impulsivity
Acting without thinking, interrupting others, difficulty waiting for their turn, or making hasty decisions without considering the consequences.
These symptoms can show up differently in children and adults and may lead to challenges in social settings, education, or work environments.
You may want to consider an ADHD assessment if you or your child are experiencing symptoms that affect daily life, such as difficulty focusing on tasks, trouble controlling impulses, or constant restlessness. ADHD can affect people at any age, but it is commonly diagnosed in children. If these symptoms interfere with school performance, work, or personal relationships, seeking a professional assessment can be an important step in understanding and addressing the challenges.
At DevelopMental Health, where clinically indicated, we offer joint assessments to evaluate whether ADHD, autism, or both conditions are present.
At DevelopMental Health, our ADHD assessment is thorough and tailored to ensure we get a clear understanding of the individual’s challenges and strengths. We follow National Insitute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) Guidelines and diagnose in accordance with the DSM-5. The assessment process includes:
Initial Consultation
This is the first step where we discuss symptoms, behaviours, and concerns. We collect brief background information about medical history, school performance, and any other relevant information. We may require a screening assessment following this appointment.
Comprehensive Evaluation
We use gold-standard assessment tools like the CARRS, Conners and DIVA to assess ADHD symptoms. These tools help us highlight the presence and impact of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. If necessary, we also assess for other conditions, such as autism, that may present similar symptoms.
Behavioural and Medical History Review
We conduct an in-depth review of the individual’s medical history, developmental milestones, and current behaviours across different environments, such as school and home.
Final Report
After the assessment, we provide a detailed report outlining the findings. This report includes the diagnosis, if applicable, and recommendations for support, interventions, or strategies to help manage the symptoms.
Feedback Session
Once the report is complete, we offer a comprehensive feedback session where we discuss the findings, explain the diagnosis, develop tailored recommendations and provide guidance on the next steps
If you're ready to move forward with an ADHD assessment with DevelopMental Health, here’s what you can do:
Get in Touch
Contact us to schedule an initial consultation. We will discuss your concerns, explain the assessment process in detail, and we will inform you of our next availability.
Complete Intake Forms
Before the assessment, you will be asked to fill out some forms to help us gather essential background information about symptoms, behaviours, and medical history.
Attend the Assessment
On the day of the assessment, we will guide you or your child through each step, ensuring the process is as comfortable and thorough as possible. Sessions typically take place online and last up to two hours.
Receive Your Report and Feedback
After the assessment is completed, we will prepare a comprehensive report with findings and recommendations. We will then arrange a feedback session to go over the results in detail and answer any questions you may have.
Follow-Up Support
If required, we can offer additional support with implementing the recommended strategies, and provide guidance for school or workplace accommodations.
At DevelopMental Health, we are committed to making this process as supportive and informative as possible. Our goal is to help individuals and families understand ADHD and provide the necessary tools to manage symptoms and thrive.
For more information or to book an assessment, please get in touch with us today.
