When should a diagnosis be considered?
A diagnosis of ADHD is usually considered when symptoms occur frequently and significantly impact daily life — affecting multiple areas like emotional wellbeing, social relationships, school, work, and everyday activities.
Children are often assessed for ADHD around the age of five, although if there’s a strong family history, assessments can sometimes happen earlier.
Because ADHD can be complex and shares symptoms with other conditions, experts strongly recommend getting a professional assessment. This ensures the diagnosis is accurate and that the right support and treatment can be put in place.
In Australia, diagnosing ADHD involves a thorough assessment by qualified healthcare professionals. They collect information from a range of sources, like parents, teachers, and medical history. It’s important to know there isn’t a single test for ADHD — diagnosis relies on building a full picture from different perspectives.
