ADHD Assessments
ADHD Assessments and the role of Neuropsychologists
ADHD is now widely recognised as a brain-based difference in how some people think, feel, and process the world around them.
This difference can make it harder to function in environments that rely on sustained attention and strong executive functioning skills, such as planning, organisation, time management, and getting started on tasks. That is why ADHD can have a big impact in structured settings like classrooms and workplaces.
Neuropsychologists are particularly well suited to assess ADHD. We are trained to look beneath the surface, using cognitive testing to understand how the brain is working and where extra support might be needed.
As one article published by Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) puts it:
“The holy grail of ADHD diagnosis is to have a test that tells you objectively, with no margin of error: yes, this person has ADHD or no, they don’t. We don’t have that yet, but we do have neuropsychological tests, which tell you something about how a person’s brain works.”
Although there is no single medical or genetic test for ADHD, a neuropsychological assessment brings together a wide range of information to build a clearer picture. We use standardised checklists, detailed interviews, input from family members or teachers, and cognitive testing where appropriate, all to help understand not just the what but the why.
For Parents of School-Aged Children
If you are a parent, you might be wondering whether what you are seeing is typical for your child’s age, personality, or environment, or whether it might be something more.
An assessment aims to answer that question. It helps us understand whether your child’s difficulties are consistent with ADHD or whether they may be better explained by other factors, such as anxiety, learning challenges, or developmental differences.
Here’s what’s typically included in a child or teen ADHD assessment:
A detailed interview with parents (and with your child or teen if appropriate).
Cognitive testing, including attention, executive functioning, and learning skills.
Behavioural observations throughout the process.
ADHD rating scales completed by parents, caregivers, and teachers.
A review of school reports, medical files, and any other relevant documents.
A written report with results, diagnostic conclusions, and clear, practical recommendations.
For Adults Exploring ADHD
While ADHD is often first diagnosed in childhood, we now know that many people, particularly women, are missed early on and continue to experience symptoms into adulthood.
If you’ve been wondering whether ADHD could explain some of your past or present challenges, an assessment can help make sense of things.
There are two main ways ADHD is assessed in adults:
1. A Cognitive Testing Pathway
This follows a similar structure to the child assessment, including standardised tests of attention, executive function, and working memory.
2. A Clinical Interview Pathway
This approach focuses on in-depth, structured conversations over several sessions to understand your history, current symptoms, and their impact on daily life.
An adult ADHD assessment via clinical interview usually includes:
Detailed clinical interviewing.
ADHD rating scales completed by you and someone close to you (a partner or family member).
Behavioural observations and optional cognitive screening.
A review of past reports or assessments.
A written report summarising findings, with recommendations for next steps.
Whether you are exploring these questions for your child or yourself, you are not alone, and you are not overreacting. Getting clear, evidence-based answers can bring huge relief and open the door to the right kind of support.
To learn more or book an assessment, please reach out here. We’re here when you’re ready.
