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Autism Assessment
If you're concerned that your child may have Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), an assessment can provide clarity and help guide the next steps. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a child's ability to focus, control impulses, and regulate activity levels. Every child experiences ADHD differently, so a comprehensive assessment is essential to understanding your child’s specific behaviours, strengths, and areas needing support. Our ADHD assessment process is designed to provide a thorough evaluation, incorporating information from parents, teachers, and standardised tools to create an accurate picture of your child's needs.
Let us help you understand how ADHD may be impacting your child and how we can support their development.
Learn more about the benefits of completing an ADHD assessment:
Why Choose an ADHD Assessment?
An ADHD assessment can provide clarity and understanding of your child’s behaviour and challenges. Identifying ADHD early on allows for timely intervention, which can make a significant difference in a child’s development and success in school and life. A comprehensive assessment helps ensure that the child receives the appropriate support, whether it’s through therapy, classroom accommodations, or other strategies.
How Long Does the Assessment Take?
The ADHD assessment process typically takes several hours and may be conducted over multiple sessions. The length of the assessment depends on the child’s age, the complexity of their symptoms, and the number of people involved in the evaluation process (e.g., parents, teachers, clinicians). This thorough approach ensures that every aspect of the child’s behaviour is considered.
What Happens After the Assessment?
If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, the next step is to develop a plan to help them manage the symptoms and thrive. Treatment for ADHD typically includes a combination of behavioural interventions, educational support, and, in some cases, medication. The clinician will discuss treatment options, including strategies to improve focus, manage impulsivity, and enhance social skills. It’s important to work with teachers, therapists, and other support systems to ensure the child receives the right help across different settings.
Final Thoughts
An ADHD assessment is a thorough and collaborative process that can provide valuable insights into your child’s behaviour and needs. It helps you understand the challenges your child is facing and equips you with strategies to support them in achieving their full potential.
Below is a guide to the typical process of completing an ADHD assessment. Please note that the process may vary depending on your child's individual needs and circumstances:
Initial Consultation
The assessment process begins with an initial consultation with the clinician, where parents or caregivers can share their concerns. This conversation typically includes a detailed history of the child’s behaviour, developmental milestones, and any specific challenges they face at home, school, or in social settings. This is a chance for parents to describe behaviours such as trouble staying on task, difficulty following instructions, excessive talking, or acting impulsively.
Questionnaires and Surveys
Parents, teachers, and other caregivers are often asked to complete questionnaires or surveys that focus on the child’s behaviour across various settings. Common tools used in ADHD assessments include the Conners Rating Scales, the Vanderbilt Assessment Scales, and the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC). These questionnaires help gather a comprehensive understanding of how the child behaves in different environments and provide insight into whether ADHD symptoms are present.
Teacher and School Input
School reports and teacher observations are an important part of the ADHD assessment. Since ADHD symptoms often appear in structured settings like the classroom, gathering information from teachers helps clinicians see how the child behaves at school, including their attention, behaviour, and interaction with peers. Teachers may also fill out rating scales and describe how the child performs in academic tasks, group activities, and follows classroom routines.
Standardised ADHD Assessment Tools
During the assessment, clinicians often use standardised diagnostic tools to evaluate ADHD symptoms. These may include structured interviews and observational assessments that focus on the core symptoms of ADHD: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These assessments are designed to rule out other possible causes of the behaviours and to confirm that the child meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis.
In-Depth Parent Interviews
A thorough parent interview is a critical component of the assessment. This is an opportunity for parents to share detailed information about the child’s developmental history, including early milestones, behavioural patterns, and any challenges observed in various environments. The clinician will also discuss the child’s family history, as ADHD can sometimes run in families, and gather insight into how the child’s symptoms are affecting daily life.
Observation and Clinical Interviews
The clinician may observe the child in different settings, such as in the clinic or during structured activities, to better understand their behaviour. These observations allow the clinician to see how the child interacts with others, manages their attention, and responds to tasks. The clinician may also conduct a clinical interview with the child, depending on their age and communication abilities, to gain a clearer understanding of their experiences and struggles.
Feedback and Diagnosis
After gathering all the necessary information, the clinician will meet with the parents or caregivers to provide feedback on the assessment findings. This may include a detailed report outlining whether the child meets the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and how the symptoms impact their daily functioning. The clinician will explain the diagnosis, if applicable, and offer recommendations for treatment and strategies to support the child’s development.
Take the first leap towards progress
If you are considering an assessment for your child, our team of professionals is here to guide you through the process with care, respect, and understanding. The first step is completing our intake form, which helps us understand your child’s needs and how an assessment can support them.
Submitting the form is obligation-free and doesn’t commit you to any further steps—it’s simply a way to begin the conversation and explore the best options for your child. Once we receive your form, our team will reach out to discuss the next steps, answer any questions you may have, and provide the support you need. Together, we can work towards helping your child thrive.
Helping children build skills, gain confidence, and thrive in everyday life.
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