Looking for a Child ADHD Assessment in Adelaide?
We have you covered at Adelaide Clinical Psychology. We specialise in child ADHD assessments in Adelaide and take an holistic approach to understand learning difficulties and behaviours that may point to underlying conditions or neurological disorders, including ADHD, Autism, or learning difficulties such as Dyslexia (reading), Dysgraphia (writing) and Dyscalculia (maths).
​
An early ADHD or specific learning disorder (SLD) diagnosis supports children in developing focus, learning, and behaviour management skills. Our comprehensive process includes a parent clinical interview, teacher feedback, and thorough testing to assess cognitive, social, emotional, and academic functioning while also identifying potential Specific Learning Disorders in the areas of Reading, Writing, or Mathematics.
​
We provide a detailed written report with findings and recommendations, offering clarity about any ADHD diagnosis or learning difficulties, and provide strategies for their success. Our kind and supportive team ensures every child feels comfortable throughout the assessment. Choosing to undertake an ADHD assessment for your child can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts a child’s attention, impulse control, and ability to succeed academically. Children with ADHD may struggle with:
-
Difficulty maintaining focus during lessons
-
Challenges with impulse control and self-regulation
-
Struggles with following instructions and task completion
-
Difficulty remaining seated for extended periods
-
Academic inconsistencies, excelling in some areas while struggling in others
-
Disorganisation and challenges with planning or time management
-
Restlessness and frequent fidgeting
Children with ADHD can demonstrate signs in their own unique way. A comprehensive ADHD assessment provides the clarity you need to understand their individual behaviour together with their cognitive and learning needs. Our caring and understanding team are committed to providing the guidance and support your child needs to reach their full potential, offering assistance every step of the way through a thorough and personalised approach.
Why is an ADHD assessment important?
Consulting a psychologist in Adelaide can help identify ADHD or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), allowing timely interventions to manage symptoms and improve overall well being. An ADHD assessment will ensure children receive the right support to help them thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Support can include:
-
Supporting Learning Needs: An accurate diagnosis for ADHD and/or a Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) helps schools provide the right accommodations so your child can reach their full potential.
-
Building Social Confidence: Early intervention helps children develop essential social skills and build meaningful connections.
-
Setting your child up for Success: The right support lays a strong foundation for future growth and confidence.
Beyond ADHD – Identifying Other Learning Challenges
At Adelaide Clinical Psychology, we recognise that ADHD often coexists with other developmental and learning difficulties, which can affect a child’s academic progress. Our thorough approach to ADHD testing in Adelaide also assesses for Specific Learning Disorders such as reading (dyslexia), written (dysgraphia) and mathematics (dyscalculia). Identifying any learning difficulties alongside ADHD provides a clear understanding of your child’s unique learning needs.
Understanding Our ADHD Assessment Process
​
Adelaide Clinical Psychology has conducted hundreds of child ADHD assessments in Adelaide. Our approach to an ADHD diagnosis is holistic and thorough, starting with an online clinical interview with parents to gather relevant history. This is followed by comprehensive testing and assessments at our clinic and concludes with an online feedback session to present findings and recommendations in a detailed written report.
STEP 1: INTAKE CALL
Our Client Concierge (Candy Elliot), will guide you through the process and answer any questions. With a Diploma in Psychotherapy and ongoing studies toward her Bachelor of Psychotherapy, Candy is well-equipped to support parents beginning their child’s assessment journey. This call provides insight into whether a full ADHD assessment and/or learning assessment is suitable for the child’s needs.​​​
​
INTAKE CALL
STEP 2: ONLINE CLINICAL INTERVIEW WITH PARENTS
A one-on-one interview with the psychologist helps gather information about the child’s developmental history, behavioural patterns, and academic challenges. This interview aims to:
-
Gain an in-depth understanding of a child's current behaviours, presenting issues, and psychological well being.
-
Review the child's developmental history, including Mum’s pregnancy, newborn temperament, milestones, family background, social skills, hobbies, interests, and overall physical and mental health.​​​
-
Examine any existing medical, psychological, or school reports.
-
Identify academic challenges or learning difficulties the child may be experiencing.
-
Answer any questions or concerns the parents may have about the assessment process
CLINICAL INTERVIEW
STEP 3: CHILD TESTING AND ASSESSMENT
The core of our testing process involves two structured sessions where the child completes:
-
Cognitive ability testing: This assessment includes. Verbal Comprehension, Fluid Reasoning, Visual Spatial Reasoning, Working Memory and Processing Speed
-
Executive function assessment: Evaluating impulse control, working memory, cognitive flexibility, processing speed and planning skills
-
Academic performance testing: Assesses reading, writing, and mathematics skills
-
Social and emotional functioning questionnaires: Understanding behavioural and emotional patterns in different settings
Teachers and parents (when applicable) will also complete online screening tools to provide additional context about the child’s focus and attention-related behaviours.
CHILD TESTING
STEP 4: ANALYSIS OF RESULTS AND WRITTEN REPORT
Once testing is completed:
-
Our Psychologist will thoroughly review and analyse the collected data to identify patterns, behaviours and traits consistent with ADHD and/or any Specific Learning Disorder (e.g., Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia). This process involves carefully examining test results, observations, and additional information provided by parents and/or teachers.
-
A detailed report is then created, outlining the findings in a clear accessible way. This report includes actionable recommendations tailored to your child's needs, such as educational accommodations to support learning, therapy options to emotional and behaviour challenges, learning interventions, or lifestyle adjustments to improve focus and overall well being. ​
This comprehensive report is designed to address your child's unique challenges, offering practical solutions and guidance for parents, caregivers and schools. It serves as a roadmap to help your child succeed academically, socially and emotionally to provide clarity and next steps to support their journey.
ANAlYSIS & REPORT
STEP 5: ONLINE FEEDBACK SESSION WITH PARENTS
​
A feedback session is conducted online with the parent and psychologist to present and discuss the assessment results. Our psychologists deliver the results with clarity and sensitivity and offer lots of opportunities for parents to ask questions. An electronic copy of the assessment report is emailed to the parent after the feedback session.
FEEDBACK SESSION
ADHD vs. ASD (Autism) Assessments
Parents often have questions about the connection between ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as these conditions can share similar traits. Adelaide Clinical Psychology offers ADHD assessments and ASD assessments as well as Combined ADHD and ASD assessments that cover both areas of concern. A combined ADHD and ASD assessment can save your child testing time and visits to the practice, and is a cost effective option if both assessments are required.
Our Client Concierge, Candy, will discuss assessment options during your intake call and outline the benefits of a Combined ADHD and ASD assessment, where appropriate.
Building a Brighter and Positive Future for Your Neurodiverse Child
People with ADHD are neurodivergent, meaning they have differences in brain structure, connectivity, and function. Neurodivergent brains represent a natural variation in the human brain, reflecting the diverse ways in which individuals perceive, process, and interact with the world.
Living with ADHD can be challenging and may lead to anxiety and stress in certain environments. However, ADHD also comes with strengths like creativity, innovation, hyperfocus, unique problem-solving, and energising those around them. We like to call these super powers! With the correct diagnosis and right support, children with ADHD thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
So, if you’re concerned that your child may have ADHD, you don’t have to navigate it alone. We’re here to help. Reach out today to book your child’s ADHD assessment in Adelaide and take the first step towards building a brighter and more confident future for your child.