Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Assessment

• Uses a variety of neuropsychological tests and questionnaires to determine whether or not someone has ADHD.
• Cognitive domains tested are supported by empirical studies and are known areas of difficulty faced by those with ADHD.
• May involve informant reports (e.g., parents) who were around and knew the person when they were a child.
• Screening of mental health conditions also play a role in this assessment to ensure cognitive processing is not unduly influenced by psychological or emotional factors.

What is an ADHD Assessment?

An ADHD assessment is designed to evaluate various aspects of behaviour and thinking skills to understand how they may be affected by Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). During the assessment, information is gathered through interviews, questionnaires, and observations. This comprehensive approach helps identify specific traits associated with ADHD, which may include:

• Inattention: Difficulty staying focused, forgetfulness, and trouble completing tasks.
• Hyperactivity: Restlessness, excessive talking, and trouble sitting still.
• Impulsivity: Interrupting others, making hasty decisions, and difficulty waiting for one's turn.
• Disorganization: Misplacing items frequently and struggling with time management.
• Emotional Difficulties: Quick anger, frustration, and mood swings.
• Memory Challenges: Difficulty remembering instructions or tasks.

The outcome of the assessment guides appropriate support and treatment options, ensuring individuals can thrive in their daily lives.

Different Types of ADHD

ADHD can vary in severity and is classified into three types:

• Inattentive Type: Challenges with attention, frequent mistakes, and losing things.
• Hyperactive Type: Fidgeting, excessive talking, and difficulty remaining seated.
• Combined Type: A combination of both inattentive and hyperactive symptoms.

Information Gathering

Assessing ADHD involves a thorough approach that considers an individual's past, current mental state, and environment:

1. Background Information: Gathering insights from parents or others who knew the individual as a child to determine if symptoms were present from an early age.

2. Screening for Other Mental Health Conditions: It’s essential to screen for other issues, such as anxiety or depression, which can affect behaviour and thinking. Identifying these conditions ensures a more accurate assessment.

Assessment Process

The assessment process typically follows these steps:

• Step 1: Initial session booked with a Registered Psychologist for ADHD assessment; report cards are gathered and an intake form is filled out.
• Step 2: Conducting the initial session with a Registered Psychologist, including a clinical interview and assessment of general mental health factors like depression and anxiety.
• Step 3: A second session for either neuropsychological testing or further psychodiagnostic assessment, including a structured interview that assesses possible ADHD symptoms in detail.
• Step 4: Collecting data from prior sessions, report cards, and collateral sources to compile a report summarizing the findings.
• Step 5: Follow-up meeting to discuss results and outline next steps.