The ADHD assessment process typically follows a structured approach to ensure the evaluation is comprehensive, consistent, and impartial. The following is a framework so you can know what to expect.
Assessment Process
Step 1: Initial Consultation
Meet with a healthcare professional (e.g., GP, paediatrician, psychologist) to discuss concerns and background information.
The clinician gathers a brief history of development, behaviour, medical issues, academic performance, and family history.
If the first clinician is not equipped to perform a full assessment, they may refer the individual to a specialist, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, paediatrician, or neuropsychologist experienced in diagnosing ADHD.
Step 2: Comprehensive Information Gathering
Collect detailed information from multiple sources:
- Parents/caregivers (through interviews and questionnaires)
- Teachers or school reports (providing insight into classroom behaviour and learning)
- Medical history (including developmental milestones and mental health history)
- Sometimes direct observations in different settings (home, school) are included.
Step 3: Use of Standardised Rating Scales and Questionnaires
Complete ADHD-specific checklists and rating scales (e.g., Conners 3, Vanderbilt Assessment Scales) to objectively measure symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Step 4: Clinical Interviews
Conduct structured or semi-structured interviews with the individual and caregivers to explore the pattern, severity, and impact of symptoms over time and across different settings.
Step 5: Direct Assessment (where appropriate)
Some assessments include one-on-one sessions with the child to assess cognitive functioning, attention, memory, executive function, and emotional regulation.
Step 6: Ruling Out Other Conditions
The clinician must check if the symptoms could be better explained by other conditions, such as learning disabilities, anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorder, or other medical issues.
Step 7: Diagnosis
A diagnosis is made if the individual meets the diagnostic criteria for ADHD as outlined in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition). Symptoms must appear in more than one setting (e.g., home and school), impair daily functioning, and have started before the age of 12.
Step 8: Feedback Session
The clinician provides feedback to the individual and/or family, explains the findings, discusses the diagnosis (if applicable), and answers any questions.
Step 9: Written Report and Recommendations
A detailed report summarising the assessment results, diagnosis, and tailored recommendations (for school, home, work, or therapy) is provided. The report may also include referrals for additional support and information about medication options if appropriate.