Question 1

How do I know if my child may need an ADHD assessment?

Accepted Answer

An ADHD assessment may be worth considering when difficulties with attention, organisation, impulsivity, activity level or emotional regulation are ongoing and are affecting your child's everyday functioning.You might notice that your child frequently loses track of instructions, needs repeated reminders, acts before thinking or has difficulty completing everyday tasks independently.These difficulties can affect learning, relationships, emotional regulation and family life.However, these experiences do not automatically mean your child has ADHD. There can be several possible explanations, which is why a comprehensive assessment looks at the broader pattern rather than individual behaviours alone.

Question 2

What does an ADHD assessment involve?

Accepted Answer

An ADHD assessment looks beyond whether someone is active, distracted or forgetful.Depending on the individual, the assessment process may include:Developmental and medical historyClinical interviewParent, educator or other relevant questionnairesBehavioural observationsCognitive, attention or learning assessment where relevantInformation about functioning at home, school, work and in relationshipsConsideration of other factors that could be contributing to the difficulties
The aim is to understand the person's overall pattern of strengths and difficulties rather than relying on one questionnaire or observation.

Question 3

Can a psychologist diagnose ADHD?

Accepted Answer

Psychologists with appropriate training and experience can assess and diagnose ADHD.In some circumstances, a paediatrician or psychiatrist may also be involved, particularly when medical assessment or medication is being considered.Where collaboration with another professional would be beneficial, this can be discussed as part of the assessment process.

Question 4

Do I need to see a paediatrician or psychiatrist as well?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily.The appropriate pathway depends on the individual and the reason for seeking assessment.A psychologist can conduct a comprehensive ADHD assessment and provide diagnostic conclusions where appropriate.A paediatrician or psychiatrist may also be recommended when medical evaluation or medication management is required.You don't need to work this out before contacting us. We can help explain the assessment pathway and whether another professional may need to be involved.

Question 5

Can a psychologist prescribe ADHD medication?

Accepted Answer

No.Psychologists do not prescribe medication.If medication is something you would like to explore following an ADHD assessment, consultation with an appropriate medical practitioner will be required.Your assessment findings and report can help inform the next steps in your care.

Question 6

Could attention difficulties be caused by something other than ADHD?

Accepted Answer

Yes.Attention, organisation, emotional regulation and behavioural difficulties can have several possible explanations.For example, anxiety, learning difficulties, sleep concerns and other developmental or emotional factors may contribute to similar difficulties.A comprehensive ADHD assessment therefore considers alternative and co-occurring explanations rather than assuming that attention difficulties automatically indicate ADHD.

Question 7

Can adults have an ADHD assessment?

Accepted Answer

Yes.Nutricula Psychology provides ADHD assessments for children, adolescents and adults.Adult assessments consider current functioning as well as developmental history and how difficulties may affect different areas of everyday life.

Question 8

Do I need a referral for an ADHD assessment?

Accepted Answer

No.You can contact Nutricula Psychology directly to enquire about an ADHD assessment.You may have been encouraged to seek assessment by a GP, teacher or another health professional, but you do not need a referral to begin the enquiry process.

Question 9

Will I receive a written ADHD assessment report?

Accepted Answer

Yes.Following a comprehensive assessment, you will receive a detailed written report explaining the findings.The report may include:Individual strengthsAreas of difficultyHow attention and executive-functioning difficulties affect everyday lifeDiagnostic conclusions where appropriateRelevant alternative or co-occurring concernsPractical recommendationsRecommendations for home, school, study or workGuidance about further professional or medical support where appropriate
The purpose of the report is to help you understand the findings and what they mean in everyday life.

Question 10

Can my child's school use the assessment report?

Accepted Answer

Where relevant, the assessment report can include practical recommendations for school and educational support.The report may help parents and educators better understand the child's strengths, areas of difficulty and how attention or executive-functioning challenges affect learning and everyday functioning.Recommendations are individualised according to the assessment findings.

ADHD Assessments

Could and ADHD Assessment Help?

Why Families Seek ADHD Assessments

Understanding

School

Home

Planning

What Does an ADHD Assessment Involve?

More Than a Diagnosis

Why Choose Nutricula Psychology?

Frequently asked questions