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What is an ADHD Assessment?

An ADHD assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that helps determine whether a child has Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Since there is no single medical test to diagnose ADHD, psychologists use a combination of interviews, questionnaires, and cognitive and behavioural assessments to understand how attention difficulties and hyperactivity affect your child’s learning and participation in both school and home environments. 

Cognitive assessments are used to evaluate a variety of skills, including verbal comprehension, visual-spatial awareness, fluid reasoning, working memory, and processing speed. Additionally, behavioural assessments help to analyse children’s behaviours and emotions, which play a significant role in identifying ADHD. 

When is an ADHD Assessment Recommended for a Child?

Doctors, paediatricians, or teachers may recommend an ADHD assessment if your child displays ongoing difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. Key signs that your child might have ADHD include: 

  • Difficulty staying focused on tasks 
  • Being frequently distracted by external environment, such as noise or activity of others around them 
  • Fidgeting, restlessness, or constantly moving around, particularly when expected to remain still such as in the classroom or dining table 
  • Forgetfulness, such as losing track of tasks or misplacing items frequently 
  • Talking a lot or at a louder volume than is considered appropriate for the situation 

It is important to note that the above signs are developmentally appropriate in preschool-aged children, so it is recommended to wait until your child is 6 years old before undergoing assessment.  

Benefits of an ADHD Assessment

A comprehensive ADHD assessment offers several benefits, even if a formal ADHD diagnosis is not made. The evaluation helps to: 

  • Provide deeper insight into your child’s strengths and areas where they need additional support 
  • Develop a personalised learning plan to help your child achieve their academic goals 
  • Identify suitable classroom adjustments like movement breaks, flexible seating, task segmentation, and the use of headphones 
  • Access special provisions during school assessments, such as granting rest breaks or a scribe 
  • Enable access to medical treatments with the support of a paediatrician or psychiatrist 

The Assessment Process

An ADHD assessment involves multiple steps and components to ensure a thorough evaluation. A psychologist may include: 

  • A detailed developmental history to identify any family history of ADHD or other neurodevelopmental disorders 
  • Interviews with parents and/or teachers to gain insight into your child’s learning abilities, attention and behaviour in different environments 
  • Standardised assessments, including both cognitive and behavioural evaluations, conducted in a controlled setting to eliminate distractions 
  • Direct observations of your child while completing the standardised assessment.  

Understanding Assessment Results 

Following an ADHD assessment, a psychologist provides a comprehensive report that includes an outline of your child’s strengths and areas where extra support is needed as well as a list of tailored recommendations. Families are given the opportunity to schedule a phone consultation to discuss the results and next steps with the psychologist.  

The report will include results from each of the standardised tests completed with your child. For example, the cognitive assessment will provide you with an IQ descriptive range, which represents your child’s overall intellectual ability. Children with ADHD may show lower scores in working memory and processing speed. You will also receive a description of your child’s behaviours compared to others their age.  

Assessment Tools Used by Learning Links 

At Learning Links, we use a variety of tools to evaluate whether a child may have ADHD. Some of the most commonly used tools in an ADHD assessment include: 

  • Conners 4: A digital tool used to assess ADHD symptoms in children aged 6-18 years. This tool also examines co-occurring difficulties with anxious thoughts, executive functioning, emotional regulation and sleep 
  • Wechsler Cognitive Assessment Tools (WPPSI-IV, WISC-V and WAIS-IV): These standardised tools evaluate cognitive abilities in children across five domains. 

Take the Next Step: Book an ADHD Assessment Today 

If your child is struggling with attention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity, a comprehensive ADHD assessment can provide the clarity you need to take the next step. Early identification is key to helping children with ADHD learn to manage their symptoms effectively. Contact us today to schedule an ADHD assessment and take the first step towards supporting your child. 

Download Our Free Assessment Guide

This assessment guide aims to demystify the evaluation process and introduce you to the wide range of psychological assessments available for families so you know what to expect and how to select the best option for your child.

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