ADHD ASSESSMENT
WHAT IS ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD)?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a complex description for the way a certain type of brain is wired. Inattention, frequent movement and difficulty focusing are not necessarily indicators of ADHD but could be indicative of anxiety or sensory issues. However, they can sometimes be symptoms of ADHD. ADHDers experience differences in executive functioning and self-regulation skills compared to non-ADHDers. The presentation of ADHD (see below) can become more pronounced when there is friction between the environment and their brain wiring. In addition, girls and boys can present quite differently with ADHD, as girls are much better at masking and their ADHD can present in other ways such as daydreaming and inattentiveness.
IS AN ADHD ASSESSMENT OR DIAGNOSIS NECESSARY?
Deciding whether you or your child needs an assessment or not, really comes down to whether you/they have negative experiences and are disadvantaged in you/their current environments. Some of the presentations of ADHD (as mentioned below) may not be observable or a concern in some environments but may become more pronounced and problematic in other environments.
Some common descriptions of ADHD children include:
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Difficulties sustaining attention on “boring” tasks
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Difficulties starting tasks
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Frequent need to move
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Concerns around time management and/or prioritisation
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Are easily distracted
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Day dreamers
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Interrupt a lot
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Impulsive
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Difficulty planning
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Difficulty switching off from very interesting tasks (hyper focus)
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Seems to be forgetful quite often
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Difficulty with decision-making
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Sensitive and avoidant of rejection
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You might decide an assessment is necessary to find out more about your/their neurotype and/or learn ways to decrease friction with the environment and improve functioning, through the recommendations and information provided in a formal psychometric assessment report.
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HOW WILL AN ASSESSMENT HELP?
There are number of reasons why a formal assessment of ADHD can be helpful:
1. Can help the individual gain a better understanding of themselves and their experiences, leading to increased self-esteem, confidence and skills
2. It can serve to support others to better understand the individual and how they may go about supporting them
3. It can help to better tailor therapeutic supports to make it more individualised to what the person needs
4. If appropriate, it can help support access to psychopharmacological intervention
WHAT ARE THE FEES FOR AN ADHD ASSESSMENT?
There are different assessment rates depending on your individual needs, referral questions and level of complexity. Our aim is not to provide you with a standard assessment report but a something that tells your story and meets your needs and goals at the time of presentation. If you are interested in undertaking a psychometric assessment with SAGE Psychology & Education, please email us and we can provide a quote.
For more information about assessments, please read our FAQ
Enquiry
If you'd like to enquire into assessments, please send us an email or complete the below Assessment Enquiry Form and send it to admin@sagepsychologyandeducation.com