Comprehensive ADHD assessments
Identify and treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) early.
Enquire now Request a call back
Empower your child’s success: everything parents need to know about ADHD assessments
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of people – adults and children – worldwide.
It is more commonly detected when a child is about to or has just started at school.
Symptoms range from difficulty paying attention to impulsive or hyperactive behaviours, or difficulty regulating their emotions.
ADHD is categorised by the widely-used classification systems, DSM-V-TR and the ICD-10, as one of three subtypes:
- Inattentive
- Hyperactive/Impulsive
- Combined
ADHD symptoms may include any or all of the following:
- Inattention – difficulty keeping attention, easily distracted, often forgetful
- Impulsivity – interrupting others, acting without thinking
- Hyperactivity – restlessness, being overly active, often fidgeting
ADHD can impact daily activities, education, and future work.
If left unmanaged, ADHD can become quite a large barrier in a child’s life.
Children with ADHD may experience further issues, like poor impulse control, anxiety disorder, heightened sensitivity to their emotions, and more.
Continuously being corrected and reprimanded for behaviour they struggle with often leads to low self-esteem and may lead to oppositional behaviour.
With a thorough ADHD assessment, we can create a treatment plan tailored to each child.
We look at managing specific challenging behaviours and creating coping skills for your child and supportive skills for their family members.
Treatment options include a range of early intervention therapies including:
- Mindfulness-based therapy (MBT)
- Cognitive behaviour therapies (CBT)
- ADHD skill coaching
Alongside the support of family members, children and adults with ADHD can thrive.
Getting an ADHD diagnosis
If you’re concerned about your child’s development, or you’ve recognised ADHD symptoms in a loved one, you can get an ADHD assessment completed with a healthcare provider.
At Early Start Australia, we are highly experienced in identifying early symptoms of ADHD in young children.
Here’s what the assessment process looks like:
1. Gathering information
An assessment starts with a diagnostic interview with parents and/or family members.
This gives us a thorough understanding of the background to your child and considers alternative diagnoses that may better explain ADHD symptoms.
2. Physical exam
Conducted by your GP or paediatrician, this rules out other medical conditions that may be causing symptoms.
3. Cognitive testing
An Early Start Australia psychologist will assess your child’s attention, memory, and other functions.
4. Behavioural observation
With behavioural scales and functional assessments, we can review your child’s capabilities in different settings.
These may include with your child in the clinic, reports from home and school, and sometimes from family members and peers.
5. Diagnosis
With the assessment findings, we’ll determine if your child meets the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, and provide a comprehensive report for an appropriately qualified health or medical professional to make a decision about a diagnosis and the possible prescription of pharmacological therapies.
6. Assess
Through a comprehensive assessment, we also want to create a solid picture of your child’s developmental progress, which can be helpful for future reviews of your child’s development.
This includes identifying strengths and struggles in intellectual, learning and social functioning.
7. Treatment plan
If your child does not meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, we can equally suggest the next steps for your child.
Our team of mental and allied health professionals will work with you to create a holistic care approach.
Once we have an accurate diagnosis, we can look at a detailed treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs.
Frequently asked questions
Improving lives with Early Start Australia
Work with a group of experienced therapists from different fields to help your child reach their developmental goals
With a comprehensive ADHD assessment, we can help your child tackle life’s challenges with more ease.
Experience personalised treatment plans and the support of a passionate team of therapists.
Early Start Australia’s promise
Holistic care and treatment plans
We’ll create a personalised care plan that suits your child’s individual requirements. This treatment plan will include a variety of therapies, strategies for every day and training for parents.
Australia-wide reach
With clinics and therapists across the country, you’re guaranteed the help you need, when you need it.
Registered NDIS provider
Access necessary support without any additional worries. Our early intervention services are covered within your NDIS plan however ADHD is generally not covered by NDIS funding.
Early intervention at all stages
Our ADHD assessments and therapies are for people of all ages and capabilities, including adults with ADHD.
How to get started
- Contact your nearest Early Start Australia clinic to book your initial appointment. Our therapist will listen to your concerns and guide you on beginning your child’s therapy journey.
- We’ll make recommendations for assessments to give us a better understanding of your child.
- We’ll review the assessment results and provide detailed reports and feedback identifying your child’s strengths and challenges. We then work with you to develop a personalised therapy plan to suit your child’s needs.
- You and your child will begin their plan which may include a variety of therapies, strategies, and support for parents and educators. We are experienced in delivering children’s assessments and counselling and we like to keep therapy sessions fun, engaging and playful.
If you have any questions or would like to speak to someone for more information about our services, please contact us.
