What is ADHD? 

ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder, characterised by differences with self-regulation, executive functioning and motivation. Like all people, ADHDers have a range of strengths (e.g., creativity, passion, outside the box thinking) and challenges (e.g., differences with directing attention such as distractibility or hyperfocus, impulsivity, verbal or behavioural hyperactivity, executive dysfunction such as difficulties organising or planning).

When to seek an ADHD assessment? 

An ADHD assessment can be sought for several reasons, including seeking access to support services, gaining a deeper understanding of your child, to explore self-identity, and/or to learn ways of supporting your child.

If your child is presenting with symptoms of ADHD and this is negatively impacting their academic attainment, friendships or self-esteem, we recommend reaching out to our team to book an assessment.

Why choose Rosie Psychology for an ADHD assessment?
An ADHD assessment at Rosie Psychology is fun, neuroaffirming, and considerate of your child’s needs. We understand that the diagnostic process can be an overwhelming and confronting journey, and we work closely with the family to ensure that this is as smooth as possible.

At Rosie Psychology, our assessments are consistent with best practice guidelines (AADPA Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines), diagnostic requirements (DSM-5-TR), and we use evidence-based diagnostic tools.

Our team has a solid understanding of how ADHD presents across a range of contexts and ages, including complex presentations (e.g., twice exceptional). At Rosie Psychology, we pride ourselves on being a neuroaffirming practice. We offer a neurodivergent friendly assessment space to consider the child’s self-regulation and sensory needs. We respect and promote identity-first language, gender preferences, affirming terminology, and embrace a strengths-based approach.

Our comprehensive reports offer individualised and detailed recommendations. These recommendations are highly valuable in regard to implementing strategies at home, school and therapeutic settings.

What is involved in an ADHD assessment at Rosie Psychology? 

We offer comprehensive and neuroaffirming ADHD assessments at Rosie Psychology. The assessment process involves:

• A session with your child/adolescent: this takes approximately 90 minutes and activities vary depending on the child/adolescent’s age but can include tests of attention, games, and conversation. Most children enjoy this session, and accommodations are made by the psychologist to ensure they feel comfortable.
• A comprehensive parent interview: this can take up to 2 hours (don’t worry we will offer breaks!) and we will ask about your observations of your child.
• Review of your child's school reports. We will ask you to source these and send them to us prior to your parent interview.
• We obtain additional information from people who know your child well, for example school staff. We will send them questionnaires, and on occasion seek additional information via email/phone calls.
• Occasionally, we need extra information and may need to observe your child at school/childcare. We will notify you if this additional session is required.

After the diagnostic formulation, you will meet with your psychologist for a feedback appointment to discuss the outcome of the assessment and future recommendations. Regardless of the outcome of the diagnostic process, you will always be provided with a comprehensive report that includes individualised and detailed recommendations. If your child would like to also receive feedback on the assessment, an additional feedback session can be scheduled. Please discuss this with your psychologist if you would like this to occur.

FAQ:

• Should I consider including a cognitive (IQ) or educational assessment with my ADHD assessment?
  • A cognitive (IQ) assessment is not a necessary component of an ADHD evaluation in most cases. Including a cognitive (IQ) or educational assessment is useful for several reasons:
    • ADHD and learning disorders (e.g., dyslexia) often present in a similar way. In addition to this, many neurodivergent children have both ADHD and learning disorders (e.g., dyslexia). An educational assessment can help determine this and provide you and your child's school with precise recommendations to support their education.
    • Many people have a varied cognitive (IQ) profile. Including a cognitive (IQ) assessment allows us to target our recommendations, particularly regarding learning styles/preferences to include in the report.
    • If you believe your child is of above or below average intelligence then it would be useful to include a cognitive (IQ) assessment can be helpful to assess whether their presentation is being masked by a cognitive strength or better explained by a cognitive weakness.
• Will I be able to access medication for my child after this assessment?
  • No. If you wish to pursue medication for your child you will need to obtain a referral to a paediatrician or psychiatrist. You can obtain a referral from your GP.
• Will this assessment save me time when I get to the paediatrician or psychiatrist?
  • Having an ADHD assessment with Rosie Psychology may save you time with a paediatrician or psychiatrist as it collates a broad range of information they may use. It is, however, important to know that some paediatricians/psychiatrists may like to also complete their own assessment prior to prescribing medication.
• Do I attend my child's session? 
  • For most children, it is preferred that they attend by themselves whilst you wait in the waiting area. Most children enjoy this session, and accommodations are made by the psychologist to ensure your child feels comfortable. If your child has significant separation anxiety, parents can attend by sitting quietly on the side. Your psychologist will discuss this with you in your intake appointment.
• My child is sick, tired, has just been through a traumatic event - should I go ahead with the assessment?
  • ADHD assessments rely heavily on observing your child's interactions with us. If they are not feeling themselves on the day, we may not be able to see their true selves and additional appointments are likely to be needed. If you do not feel your child is able to engage as they typically would, then it is strongly recommended you reschedule your assessment. You will not lose your position on the waitlist if you choose to do this.
• Do I receive a Medicare rebate? 
  • Unfortunately, Medicare rebates are currently not available for an ADHD assessment.