ADHD Assessment for a child? Rose Park Psychology Can Help You.
An ADHD assessment by a psychologist can used to determine if an adult, child or teenager has Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and indicate the severity of the problem.
Our ADHD assessments are designed to identify ADHD symptoms and their effects on daily life, providing the foundation for the recommendations of effective strategies and interventions.
What is ADHD?
Many children may have difficulties with waiting their turn, sitting still, being fidgety, paying attention, and perhaps acting impulsively. However, children with ADHD, differ in that their symptoms of impulsivity, hyperactivity, organization, and/or inattention are noticeably present to a greater extent that in other children. These symptoms cause problems at home, at school or work, and in relationships and may lead to significant suffering. The observed symptoms are not the result of an individual not being able to understand tasks or instructions or because of being defiant.
There are three main types of ADHD:
- Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation
- Predominantly inattentive presentation.
- Combined presentation.
A diagnosis is based on the presence of persistent symptoms that have occurred over a period of time and are noticeable over the past six months. This disorder is noticed in childhood, and most likely persists to adulthood. When considering the diagnosis, the symptoms must be present before the individual is 12 years old and must have caused difficulties in more than one setting. For instance, they problems should be apparent at home and at school.
Inattentive type
Inattentive refers to challenges with staying on task, focusing, and organization. For a diagnosis of this type of ADHD, six (or five for individuals who are 17 years old or older) of the following symptoms occur frequently:
- Is easily distracted.
- Doesn’t pay close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in school or job tasks.
- Does not seem to listen when spoken to (i.e., seems to be elsewhere).
- Has problems staying focused on tasks or activities, such as during lectures, conversations or long reading.
- Does not follow through on instructions and doesn’t complete schoolwork, chores or job duties (may start tasks but quickly loses focus).
- Has problems organizing tasks and work (for instance, does not manage time well; has messy, disorganized work; misses deadlines).
- Often loses things needed for tasks or daily life, such as school papers, books, keys, wallet, cell phone and eyeglasses.
- Avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as preparing reports and completing forms.
- Forgets daily tasks, such as doing chores and running errands. Older teens and adults may forget to return phone calls, pay bills and keep appointments.
Hyperactive/impulsive type
Hyperactivity refers to excessive movement such as fidgeting, excessive energy, not sitting still, and being talkative. Impulsivity refers to decisions or actions taken without thinking through the consequences. For a diagnosis of this type of ADHD, six (or five for individuals who are 17 years old or older) of the following symptoms occur frequently:
- Always “on the go,” as if driven by a motor.
- Fidgets with or taps hands or feet, or squirms in seat.
- Not able to stay seated (in classroom, workplace).
- Unable to play or do leisure activities quietly.
- Runs about or climbs where it is inappropriate.
- Talks too much.
- Interrupts or intrudes on others (for instance, cuts into conversations, games or activities, or starts using other people’s things without permission). Older teens and adults may take over what others are doing.
- Blurts out an answer before a question has been finished (for instance may finish people’s sentences, can’t wait to speak in conversations).
- Has difficulty waiting for his or her turn, such as while waiting in line.
Combined type
This type of ADHD is diagnosed when both criteria for both inattentive and hyperactive/impulse types are met.
ADHD is typically diagnosed by mental health providers or primary care providers. A psychological assessment will include a description of symptoms from the patient and caregivers, completion of scales and questionnaires by teachers, the child and other caregivers. A complete psychological and medical history, family history, and information regarding education, environment, and upbringing is required. This link is to a website that is informative about ADHD Child Mind Institute
An ADHD Assessment at Rose Park Psychology is broken up into 3 parts:
Initial Consultation:
- The assessment begins with a parent interview to discuss the background and challenges. You will be asked to discuss your observations. You may be asked to bring in medical reports, school reports, any relevant information.
Assessment:
- The ADHD assessment is conducted at Rose Park Psychology and is done in a 2 hour time slot.
Feedback & Report:
- Once the assessment has been conducted, a detailed report is prepared by our psychologist. This will outline the findings and provide recommendations on next steps for the child/teenager. The report is often finalized with in 2-3 weeks from the testing time.
At Rose Park Psychology we have four psychologists available to do ADHD Assessments:
After the ADHD assessment? We offer ADHD coaching for parents of children with ADHD
https://roseparkpsychology.com.au/adhd-coaching-child-psychologist/
Contact Rose Park Psychology
Please contact us on (08) 8333 0940 or email admin@roseparkpsychology.com.au to explain your needs and find out more about our assessments, what they will cost, and how to book an appointment.
