ADHD Assessment
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is used to describe neurodivergence in which a person experiences brain-based differences in how they regulate, attend, and focus within their environment.
There are three presentations of ADHD – ADHD Predominantly Inattentive Presentation, ADHD Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation, and ADHD Combined Presentation.
Some characteristics of ADHD Predominantly Inattentive Presentation include having difficulty sustaining attention, following through with instructions, initiating and completing tasks, focusing, and organization. Some characteristics of ADHD Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation include fidgeting, restlessness, difficulty remaining seated, interrupting others, and having difficulty waiting or taking turns.
ADHD Combined Presentation includes characteristics of both the Predominantly Inattentive and Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentations.
ADHD can impact a person’s independence, social relationships, and ability to engage in activities of daily living. An assessment can determine whether you meet diagnostic criteria and what accommodations may be helpful to manage the demands that come along with everyday expectations, such as school or work.
If you wish to find out more information on ADHD assessments for yourself, family member, or child, please contact Life in Colour Psychology or complete the brief intake form on this website and the psychologist will get in touch with you to discuss more.
Child ADHD assessment
A child ADHD assessment typically spans over 2-3 weeks from the initial appointment to receiving a final assessment report. The assessment usually consists of parent and teacher questionnaires, a parent interview, and standardized testing that is completed 1:1 with the child.
Upon referral, the psychologist will schedule a parent interview to discuss presenting concerns and to explore characteristics of ADHD.
An in-person appointment would then be scheduled to complete the standardized testing 1:1 with the child. About 1-2 weeks after this appointment, a debrief session will be completed in which the psychologist will go over the assessment results with you and discuss what the next steps are.
Debrief sessions are also a great opportunity to brainstorm some individualized accommodations and supports that your child could benefit from moving forward.
