ADHD Assessments & Diagnosis for Children
ADHD assessments assist in determining if there is an underlying reason for areas of concern with attention and focus, exploring a possible diagnosis, and providing individual tailored recommendations for support.
ADHD in Children & Teens
Wondering if your child or teen is struggling because of ADHD?
Avina Therapy provides comprehensive ADHD assessments for children and adolescents in Brisbane and Melbourne. Our diagnostic assessments help determine if there is an underlying reason for concerns with attention, focus, hyperactivity or impulsivity.
We undertake standardised assessments for children and adolescents that can contribute to the clinical evidence required for a diagnosis of ADHD.
Why choose Avina Therapy for your Assessment?
Child-friendly approach
We create a comfortable and welcoming assessment environment, using age-appropriate activities that feel more like games than tests. Regular breaks help prevent fatigue and maintain engagement, while our experienced team works thoughtfully with children who may feel anxious or reluctant.
Comprehensive evaluation
Our assessments draw on multiple sources of information, not just test scores, to build a fuller picture of each child. We consider strengths alongside challenges, while also exploring emotional, social and environmental factors across home, school and social settings.
Practical outcomes
Our reports are clear, practical and jargon-free, making them easy for parents to understand. Each report includes specific recommendations for home and school strategies, referral pathways where additional services may be helpful, and follow-up options to discuss how recommendations can be put into practice.
NDIS Support
Our assessment reports are completed by registered and provisional registered psychologists who are able to provide a diagnosis. Our reports can be used as part of your NDIS application, or sent to schools and universities to assist getting access to supports and treatment.
ADHD Assessments
ADHD assessments can provide valuable insights for children and adolescents experiencing challenges with attention, focus, hyperactivity, or impulsivity. These difficulties may be impacting school performance, family relationships, friends, or daily routines.
Do any of these behaviours sound familiar?
School challenges
- Underperforming
- Incomplete work
- Organisation struggles
- Attention difficulties
Home battles
- Homework fights
- Routine resistance
- Emotional outbursts
- Losing belongings
Social struggles
- Friendship difficulties
- Risk taking
- Impulsive reactions
- Low confidence
Family stress
- Daily tensions
- Sibling impact
- Parent uncertainty
- Disrupted routines
An ADHD assessment may be helpful if your child (aged 6-15) experiences:
- Difficulty following instructions or completing tasks
- Impulsive behaviour or difficulty waiting their turn
- Challenges with organisation and frequently losing belongings
- Struggles with transitions between activities
- Daydreaming
- Difficulty with sleep routines
- Difficulty with homework completion and time management
- Risk-taking behaviours or poor decision-making
- Low self-esteem related to difficulty meeting academic, social, household responsibilities
- Frequent fidgeting or trouble sitting still during class or activities
- Needing prompting to complete simple multi step tasks
- Difficulty sustaining attention in schoolwork or play
- Conflicts with siblings or peers due to impulsive reactions
- Academic performance that doesn't match their potential
- Frustration at being late and disorganised
- Emotional regulation and intense mood swings
- Social challenges and difficulty maintaining friendships
- Increasing conflicts at home around responsibilities
- High levels of anxiety
Our ADHD Assessment Process
Our standardised assessments can contribute to the clinical evidence required for a diagnosis of ADHD. We follow a structured, evidence-based approach designed to provide you with clear answers and practical recommendations.
We understand that seeking an assessment can feel overwhelming, so we’ve created a supportive process that puts both you and your child at ease.
Initial consultation
Duration
45-60min
Who attends
What we cover
- Understand your concerns and goals
- Detailed developmental history gathering
- Discussion of current functioning across home, school or work environments
- Review of any previous reports or assessments
- Completion of screening questionnaires and rating scales
- Explanation of the assessment process and what to expect
- For children: gathering information from parents, carers and teachers
- For adults: exploring lifetime experiences and developmental patterns
Assessment sessions
Duration
typically 1.5 hours long
Who attends
You, your child, and psychologist
What we cover
- Cognitive assessments
- Attention-based testing
- Behavioural observations
- Regular breaks for comfort
Analysis & report
Duration
within 4–6 weeks
What we do
Comprehensive analysis
- Integration of all test results
- Comparison with diagnostic criteria
- Detailed written report and preparation
- Tailored recommendations development
Feedback session
Duration
60min
Who attends
Parents/caregiver & psychologist
What we cover
- Explanation of findings
- Discussion of recommendations
- Practical strategies for home and school
- Full written report provided
- Next steps explained
Frequently Asked Questions
Costs & Funding
How much does an assessment at Avina Therapy cost?
Assessment costs vary based on the complexity and type of evaluation needed. We provide transparent pricing during your initial consultation and can discuss options.
Do you accept Medicare rebates?
At this point in time ADHD assessments are Fee for service
Can I use my private health insurance?
Many private health insurance policies cover psychological assessments. We recommend checking with your insurer about your specific coverage for ADHD assessments.
Do I need a referral for an ADHD assessment?
No, you do not need a referral for an ADHD assessment from Therapy Pro.
Working with Older Children & Teens
My teenager refuses to be assessed - what can I do?
Adolescent cooperation is important for accurate assessment. We can discuss strategies to help your teenager understand the benefits.
Eligibility & Age
What age can a child have an ADHD assessment?
At Avina Therapy we assess children from age 6 onwards can be assessed for ADHD. Children who have ADHD can show symptoms while they are very young, and early assessment can be beneficial.
Can girls have ADHD?
Absolutely, ADHD affects both boys and girls, though it may present differently. Girls are often underdiagnosed until later adolescencs and early adulthood.
What's the difference between ADD and ADHD?
ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) is an older term. The current diagnosis is ADHD, which includes three presentations: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, or combined.
Can ADHD be diagnosed if my child is doing well academically?
Yes. Some children with ADHD, particularly those who are gifted, may perform well academically while still struggling with attention, organisation, or social challenges. This can impact on their self-worth and lower their self-esteem.
During the Assessment
What happens if my child refuses to participate?
Our psychologists are experienced in working with reluctant children. We use engaging, game-like activities and provide breaks as needed to ensure comfort.
Can the assessment be done online?
Not entirely. We can complete the initial interview online if needed but other assessments will need to be completed in clinic.
How should I prepare my child for the assessment?
Explain it simply as “games and puzzles to understand how your brain works best.” Ensure they’re well rested and have eaten before the session and have snacks with them for brain breaks.
What should I bring to the assessment?
Bring any previous school reports, medical records, completed questionnaires, and a list of any medications your child takes.
Can I stay with my child during the assessment?
Typically, children are assessed individually to get the most accurate results. However, we can discuss specific arrangements based on your child’s needs.
Outcomes & Next Steps
What if my child doesn't have ADHD?
Our assessments explore various possibilities. If ADHD isn’t present, we’ll explore what might be contributing to the concerns and provide appropriate recommendations for next steps.
Can Will you recommend medication?
As psychologists, we don’t prescribe medication. However, we can discuss various treatment options and provide clinical advice on next steps including linking in with a Paediatrician for possible medication support.
Should I tell my child's school about the assessment?
This is your choice. Many families find it helpful to share the process and the results with schools to access appropriate support and accommodations.
Do you provide ongoing support after the assessment?
Yes, our experienced team can provide ongoing therapy and recommend Therapy Pro’s other multidisciplinary supports if required. We can discuss follow-up appointments to review progress and adjust recommendations as needed.
What if my child has other conditions like anxiety or learning difficulties?
Our comprehensive assessment considers all aspects of functioning and can identify multiple conditions that may be present alongside or instead of ADHD.
Process & Timeframes
How long does an ADHD assessment take for a child?
The full process typically takes 7-9 weeks from initial consultation to receiving your report. The actual assessment sessions are typically 1.5 hours with breaks.
How quickly will I get the results?
Most families receive their comprehensive report within 4-6 weeks of the assessment session, followed by a feedback session to discuss findings.
Will we receive an ADHD diagnosis from this assessment?
As psychologists we can provide a formal ADHD diagnosis if the diagnostic criteria are met.
Can my child be re-assessed in the future?
Re-assessment is not typically recommended unless new concerns arise. Assessments cannot be redone within a 2 year period. It is recommended that you keep all reports in a safe location as they may be required well into the child’s future.
