What happens in an ADHD assessment?

An ADHD assessment is a comprehensive process that evaluates whether an individual meets the criteria for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This assessment involves multiple steps, including clinical interviews, standardized questionnaires, cognitive testing, behavioral observations, and sometimes collateral information from family, teachers, or colleagues. Our qualified psychologist’s goal is to determine whether ADHD symptoms are present, how they impact daily life, and whether other conditions may be contributing to the difficulties.

Stages of an ADHD Assessment

1. Initial Intake & Case History

This stage involves gathering background information about the individual’s developmental history, academic and occupational functioning, social interactions, and medical history. The psychologist typically asks about:

 Early Childhood Development: Birth history, developmental milestones (e.g., speech, motor development), early behavior concerns.

 School Performance: Attention span, impulsivity, organization, teacher concerns, academic struggles.

 Work & Daily Life Functioning (for adults): Productivity, time management, task completion, workplace struggles.

 Social Relationships: Friendships, family relationships, social misunderstandings, impulsivity in interactions.

 Mental Health History: Anxiety, depression, mood swings, trauma, or other psychiatric conditions.

 Psychological/Medical History: Neurological conditions, sleep disorders, past injuries, substance use, and family history of ADHD or related disorders

2. Standardized Questionnaires & Rating Scales

The psychologist uses validated ADHD-specific rating scales to assess symptoms across different settings. These are completed by the client and sometimes by parents, teachers, or partners. These scales help measure inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, emotional regulation, and executive functioning across multiple environments.

3. Cognitive & Neuropsychological Testing

Some assessments include cognitive or neuropsychological tests to measure executive function, attention, memory, and processing speed.

4. Collateral Information

Since ADHD symptoms must be present in multiple settings, input from family members, teachers, or colleagues is often sought. This helps determine whether symptoms are persistent and pervasive rather than situational or due to another issue (e.g., anxiety, stress).

 For Children: Teachers provide reports on classroom behavior, focus, and work habits.

 For Adults: Spouses or close colleagues describe workplace or home-life struggles.

5. Rule Out Other Conditions (Differential Diagnosis)

ADHD symptoms can overlap with other conditions, so it’s important to rule out:

 Anxiety Disorders (e.g., Generalized Anxiety, Social Anxiety) – can cause distractibility due to excessive worry.

 Depression – may cause low energy, poor concentration, and forgetfulness.

 Learning Disabilities – reading, math, or writing difficulties may mimic inattentiveness.

 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – social difficulties and rigid thinking can coexist with ADHD.

 Sleep Disorders – poor sleep can lead to attention and memory difficulties.

 Trauma/PTSD – hypervigilance can be mistaken for hyperactivity.

6. Feedback Session & Diagnosis

Once all data is collected, the psychologist provides a comprehensive report summarizing: ADHD symptoms and severity, Cognitive test results, Functional impairments, Any coexisting conditions, Recommendations for treatment and support.

If ADHD is diagnosed, the psychologist discusses treatment options, such as behavioral therapy, coaching, medication referrals, and accommodations for school or work.

7. Recommendations & Next Steps

The psychologist provides tailored recommendations, which may include:

 Psychoeducation about ADHD

 Behavioral Therapy & Coaching for time management, organization, and impulse control

 Classroom or Workplace Accommodations (e.g., extra time for tasks, structured work environment)

 Medication Referral (if applicable) to a psychiatrist

 Support Groups & Parent Training for children with ADHD