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Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder characterised by a persistent pattern of inattentive and/or hyperactive/impulsive behaviour that is more frequent and severe than is typically observed in individuals of the same developmental level. There are three types of ADHD: 

 

1. Predominantly Inattentive Type

 

Common features include: 

 

  • Difficulty maintaining focus/easily distracted 

  • Fails to complete tasks/follow through on instructions

  • Avoids/dislikes tasks that require sustained mental focus 

  • Poor attention to detail/lots of careless mistakes

  • Regularly loses his/her materials or belongings

  • Poor planning and organisational skills

 

2. Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive Type

 

Common features include: 

 

  • Constantly fidgets, taps, or squirms in his/her seat

  • Frequently gets up out of his/her seat 

  • Runs/climbs in situations where it is inappropriate

  • Restless/difficult to keep up with

  • Often talks excessively 

  • Interrupts others/butts into others' conversations

  • Has trouble waiting his/her turn

 

3. Combined Type

 

Individuals with ADHD (combined type) display both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive features.

 

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What is ADHD?

How is an ADHD Assessment helpful?

An ADHD Assessment has the potential to:

 

  • Identify whether an individual has ADHD and therefore make better sense of their strengths and challenges

  • Determine what interventions/supports are likely to be helpful

  • Assist with accessing extra supports at school e.g. classroom accomodations and special exam provisions

  • Evaluate treatment progress

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

ADHD Assessment

What is involved?

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An ADHD Assessment typically involves five stages: 

1

Initial Assessment

The first step involves meeting a clinician to discuss your concerns and what you would like to get out of testing. Your clinician will also gather a comprehensive history. The initial assessment is imperative in ensuring that the appropriate tests are administered, the findings are interpreted appropriately, and the recommendations are individually-tailored.

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Duration: 1.5 hours

2

Cognitive Assessment

Your child is then administered either the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence – Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV) (for children aged 2 years and 6 months to 7 years and 7 months) OR the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children – Fifth Edition (WISC-V) (for children aged 6 to 16 years).

 

Duration: 1 - 1.5 hours

3

Academic Assessment

Your child is then administered the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test – Second Edition (WIAT-III), which is appropriate for children aged 4 to 19 years and 11 months.

 

Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours

4

ATTENTIVENESS ASSESSMENT

Your child is then administered either the Conners Kiddie Continuous Performance Test, 2nd Edition (for ages 4 to 7) OR Conners Continuous Performance Test, 3rd Edition (CPT-3) (for ages 8 years and older).

 

Duration: 15 - 20 minutes

5

Online Questionnaire

You and your child's teacher(s) are then required to complete an online questionnaire, which looks at inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive behaviour, along with common co-occurring difficulties such as learning difficulties, behavioural difficulties, and peer problems.

 

Duration: 10 - 15 minutes (per questionnaire)

6

FEEDback Session

Once testing is complete, it typically takes 3 weeks for your clinician to score and prepare your report. Your clinician will then meet with you to discuss the results and recommendations. Your report will contain a detailed overview of the results and individually-tailored recommendations. 

 

Duration:1 hour

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