ADHD Assessments – a guide on how it works

One Central Health provides clinical assessments across a range of disorders and conditions, including ADHD assessments.
In this guide, we’ll outline what ADHD is and how our assessment process works.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
What is ADHD?
The acronym ADHD stands for: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Some people call ADHD Attention Deficit Disorder as well.
ADHD assessments check for this chronic condition which can present itself in a variety of ways. Most commonly beginning in childhood, ADHD can persist into adulthood as well.
ADHD has three types:
- Inattentive
- Hyperactive-impulsive
- A combination of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive
For more information about ADHD, visit the Health Direct website.
How is ADHD caused?
There is no specific known cause and a variety of studies have reflected the various genetic and environmental factors that are thought to affect the development and function of the brain.
- Genetics
- Neurophysiology
- Use of drugs and alcohol during pregnancy
- Exposure to lead
- Injury or damage to the brain
- Trauma during early childhood
ADHD Diagnosis
For a child to be diagnosed with ADHD they must be assessed by a qualified and certified clinician using a compliant assessment.
ADHD Symptoms
ADHD affects the executive functioning of the brain. This is why many of the symptoms are reflective of the lack of ability to self-regulate, control words, emotions, thoughts and actions.
There are a number of symptoms of ADHD. If you notice some of the following symptoms presenting in your child, we recommend you contact a professional. It is possible, of course, that such symptoms are indicative of another condition or not indicative of anything at all.
- Limited attention or problems paying attention
- Hyperactive
- Aggressive
- Easily excitable
- Impulsive or lacking restraint
- Irritable
- Repeating words and/or actions
- Unfocused
- Forgetful
- Bored
- Mood swings
- Depressed
- Disability with learning
ADHD Treatments
ADHD can be treated and managed in two main ways:
- Therapy with a trained allied health clinician, such as the team here at One Central Health
- Medication
Please note: Medication needs to be prescribed by a medical professional/doctor.
It’s important to realise that ADHD is NOT a disease and therefore cannot ‘be cured’.
Impact of ADHD
ADHD can contribute to a number of issues depending on a variety of factors. From general difficulties at school to struggling socially and lacking self-esteem, every individual with diagnosed ADHD will experience the longer term impacts differently.
ADHD Assessments: How do they work?
There are a number of stages in our ADHD assessment process to ensure a comprehensive and accurate diagnosis (or lack thereof) can be provided. Our fees are all inclusive of the entire process.
Step 1 – Booking your appointment
The first step is to contact One Central Health to book in an initial appointment with one of our clinicians. You can call us on (08) 9344 1318 or send us a message here.
Step 2 – Attend your initial appointment
The initial appointment is conducted either over the phone or via a video/telehealth call. During the discussion, the clinician will ask you questions regarding your child’s presentation (symptoms) and outline the rest of the assessment process.
Step 3 – Questionnaires
After your initial appointment, you will be assigned a questionnaire to complete. Another questionnaire is sent to your child’s teacher to be completed as well.
The questionnaires are typically completed online, but there may be a paper-and-pencil form as well or instead of the online form.
Step 4 – Book in and attend the assessment
Once all of the information has been provided and gathered, we will book you in for your assessment. This session takes place in one of our clinics.
Normally, this is a 1-hour appointment. during the assessment, the clinician will spend time with your child during structured and unstructured activities.
Step 4.2 – Additional appointment or school visit
In some instances, a clinician may determine that they require an additional appointment. Again this appointment will go for 1 hour.
Alternatively, they may need to book in a school visit. (Our team will liaise with you and your school if this is the case.)
If either of these additional steps are needed, the clinician will discuss it with you prior to any bookings taking place. And yes, the additional appointment is included in the initial cost of the assessment.
Step 5 – Receive a report
Your clinician will finish the report and will send it directly to you. Next, the report will indicate the findings of the assessment and include further recommendations or strategies where relevant.
Step 6 – Feedback session
After you have received the report, we will book you in for an assessment feedback session with the clinician. During this session, you’ll receive information, explanations, advice, and support regarding the outcome and findings of the report.
As with the initial and subsequent sessions, the cost of the assessment includes the report and feedback session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a rebate on the assessment cost?
Unfortunately, Medicare does not provide rebates for ADHD tests and assessments.
Can One Central Health prescribe medicine?
No. We are an allied health and therapy clinic and do not have doctors on staff who are able to prescribe medication.
What is ADD?
ADD was one way in which Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder was abbreviated in the past. Nowadays, we use the acronym ADHD.
How common is ADHD?
ADHD is relatively common. About 1 in 20 people in Australia have ADHD. Therefore, while it is most common in boys, girls can be diagnosed as well.
Can Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder be cured?
ADHD is NOT a disease and therefore it is not something that can be cured. So, while there are treatments available, around 75% of children who are diagnosed with ADHD will still experience its symptoms when they are adults.
Have more questions? Call us today.
If you have more questions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call today. Of course, we’re more than happy to help you understand all things ADHD assessments.
Call us on (08) 9344 1318.