ADHD Assessments for Children, Teens & Adults

aDHd assessments for all life stages | sydney 

Psychologists | Speech Language Pathologists | Occupational Therapists | Exercise Physiologists | Therapy Assistants

Psychologists | Speech Language Pathologists | Occupational Therapists | Exercise Physiologists | Therapy Assistants |

Clarity, understanding, and a path forward - for children and families navigating ADHD.

A comprehensive ADHD assessment at Spectrum Therapy Australia may include:
 
• Standardised ADHD rating scales - completed by parents, carers, and teachers
• Clinical interview - developmental history and current functioning across home, school, and social settings
• Cognitive and attention tasks - structured assessment of attention, working memory, and executive functioning
• Emotional and behavioural screening - to explore co-occurring experiences such as anxiety, mood, or regulation challenges
• Academic and functional impact - how attention differences are affecting learning and daily life
• Review of previous reports and assessments




What does an ADHD Assessment cover?

An ADHD assessment is a comprehensive evaluation that explores attention, executive functioning, behaviour, and daily functioning to help determine whether ADHD is present and how it is showing up for your child. It also considers other factors - such as anxiety, learning differences, or sensory processing - that may be contributing to their experiences.
 
At Spectrum Therapy Australia, ADHD assessments are conducted by registered psychologists using a thorough, multi-method approach. ADHD is a neurological difference - not a character flaw or a parenting problem. Our goal is to give your family clarity, understanding, and practical strategies.




Who can an ADHD Assessment support?

An ADHD assessment may be helpful if your child:
 
• Has significant difficulty sustaining attention, particularly during less-preferred tasks
• Is often described as easily distracted, forgetful, or in their own world
• Is highly impulsive - acts without thinking, interrupts frequently, or finds waiting very difficult
• Is hyperactive - constantly moving, restless, or unable to sit for expected periods
• Is managing well in some settings but struggling significantly in others
• Has a profile that looks like ADHD but has never been formally assessed
• Needs a formal assessment for school adjustments, NDIS planning, or medication consideration
 
It's also worth noting that ADHD often presents differently in girls, Autistic young people, and those who have learnt to mask their difficulties. Our psychologists are experienced in identifying internalised and less-visible presentations of ADHD.

A feedback session gives you the opportunity to review the report with your psychologist and plan next steps - which may include strategies for home, school recommendations, referral to a paediatrician or psychiatrist for medication review, or further support through our multidisciplinary team.



5. Feedback session

Your psychologist will consolidate all information into a comprehensive written report covering your child's profile, clinical formulation, and practical recommendations for home, school, and therapy. Reports are typically ready within 4–6 weeks and released once full payment has been received.


4. The report

Your psychologist will work directly with your child using structured tasks, standardised rating scales, and observational methods. These explore attention, impulse control, working memory, and executive functioning. Sessions are tailored to your child's age and designed to be low-pressure.

3. Assessment session with your child

Your psychologist will meet with you for a detailed conversation about your child's developmental history, the challenges you're noticing, and how these are affecting daily life. This is an important part of building an accurate and complete picture.



2. Clinical interview

Before your appointment, you'll complete detailed intake forms about your child's development, attention, behaviour, sleep, and daily functioning. Your child's teacher will also be asked to complete questionnaires (with your consent), as ADHD is assessed across more than one setting. Please submit all forms at least 3 business days before your appointment.



1. Initial consultation

What happens at an ADHD Assessment?

ADHD and co-occurring support needs

ADHD frequently occurs alongside other profiles, including autism, anxiety, learning differences, sensory processing differences, and emotional regulation challenges. Our assessment process is designed to consider the full picture - not just whether ADHD criteria are met in isolation. Where co-occurring support needs are identified, we'll discuss what further assessment or support may be helpful.



How we keep assessments person‑centred

Whether supporting a child, teen, or adult, we ensure the process is respectful, predictable, and affirming.

We:
  • Follow the person’s pace
  • Use play, movement, or interests to build connection (for younger clients)
  • Avoid deficit‑based language
  • Respect all communication — spoken, typed, gestural, AAC, or behaviour
  • Create a sensory‑considerate environment
  • Prioritise comfort, autonomy, and consent

Our aim is for every person to feel understood, not judged.

Funding and rebates

You may be able to access:

Medicare rebates (with a GP referral)
Private health rebates (depending on your fund)
NDIS funding for self‑managed or plan‑managed participants

Spectrum Therapy Australia is not an NDIS registered provider.

We practise a neurodiversity-affirming approach. This means… 

Inspiring every child to embrace their strengths and unique-nesses — at home, at school, and beyond.

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