FAQs about ADHD Assessment in Melbourne
What does it assess?
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that often first appears in childhood and lasts into adulthood. Individuals with ADHD can find it difficult to pay attention. They may also find it difficult to control their impulses and therefore can act without thinking about the possible consequences or be overly active. We provide ADHD assessments for children, adolescents and adults.
What does it include?
An ADHD assessment typically starts with a 1-hour intake session with your psychologist to gather background information regarding the individual’s history of development, schooling and work life (if relevant), any particular challenges they are currently experiencing, and the history of any previous supports or interventions put in place. For younger clients, this intake session is often conducted with just the parents/caregivers. For older clients, particularly adolescents, it is often beneficial for them to also be present for this initial session. Adults may wish to have a partner or other support person present during the intake.
Following the intake session, there is typically between 2 and 4 hours of assessment, which involves a clinical interview and testing session with the client to assess for behaviours and characteristics typically present in individuals with ADHD (such as difficulties with attention, organisation and planning, as well as difficulty regulating behaviour so as not to be overly active and act without thinking). A cognitive assessment often forms parts of a comprehensive ADHD assessment to assess for possible co-occurring conditions such as language or intellectual delay, and to inform required supports and strategies.
During the assessment, questionnaires are often sent out to parents, teachers and the individual themselves (if old enough) to assess for the degree of attentional and behavioural regulation difficulty, as well as for other conditions that may explain any challenges they are currently experiencing as well as conditions that can co-occur with ADHD such as anxiety and learning difficulties. This allows for a comprehensive understanding of the individual to be obtained and the identification of any and all areas that would benefit from support and intervention at home and school/work. Phone calls with teachers and other relevant professionals (such as paediatricians and occupational therapists) can also form part of a comprehensive assessment.
Typically four weeks after the final assessment session with the client, a feedback session is conducted to explain the assessment results and the conclusions reached, which may include a formal diagnosis of ADHD. The recommended supports and strategies will also be discussed, and any questions will be answered. A copy of the report is also provided at this time. For younger clients, the feedback session typically occurs with just the parents, while for older students, it is often beneficial for them to also be present. Regardless of a student’s age, a separate child-only feedback session can also be provided where results and coping strategies are explained in a developmentally appropriate way.
The report is often shared with the school after the feedback session. Our psychologists can provide ongoing support as required by meeting with the school and relevant teaching staff and discussing implementing the recommended supports and educational adjustments. Raise the Bar offers ongoing support including parent support and school consultation and outreach.
What is the difference between ADHD and ADD?
Many people use the terms ADD and ADHD interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Technically speaking, attention deficit disorder (ADD) is no longer a medical diagnosis, but “ADD” is often used to refer to the Inattentive Type of ADHD and its associated symptoms.
With the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), ADD is no longer an accepted term. However, many people still use it in reference to the inattentive type of ADHD.
What assessment tools may be used?
An ADD/ADHD Assessment may include some or all of the following components:
- Conners 4th Edition (Conners 4)
- Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning – Second Edition (BRIEF-2)
- Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning – Adult (BRIEF-A)
- Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Young People (aged 5-17 years) – Young DIVA-5
- Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults – Third Edition (DIVA-5)
- Trails-X
- Comprehensive Trail-Making Test – Second Edition (CTMT2)
How long does an ADHD/ADD Assessment take?
An ADHD/ADD Assessment without a Cognitive Assessment can take 4 hours. If required, the Cognitive Assessment may take up to an additional 1.5 hours. The process includes an intake interview, clinical interview, testing session, and one hour feedback session, typically given four weeks after the last assessment session is completed. A comprehensive and individualised report with personalised recommendations is provided at the conclusion of the assessment.