ADHD Assessments
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, often shortened to ADHD, is a condition that affects people's behaviour. ADHD can involve restlessness, difficulties with concentrating and an individual may act on impulse. Many children go through phases where they are restless or inattentive, which may not necessarily mean they have ADHD. ADHD may involve additional challenges such as sleep and anxiety disorders. Symptoms of ADHD can be noticed at an early age, but they can also become more noticeable when a child’s circumstances change, e.g. starting school. ADHD can be diagnosed later in childhood and adulthood. Despite ADHD being more common in individuals with learning difficulties, it can occur in people of all intellectual abilities.
The symptoms of ADHD can be categorised into 2 types of behavioural problems:
- Inattentiveness (difficulty concentrating and focusing)
- Short attention span/easily distracted or appearing forgetful
- Unable to complete tasks that are time consuming
- Difficulty organising tasks or constantly changing activities/tasks
- Hyperactivity and impulsiveness
- Excessive physical movements or fidgeting
- Excessive talking or interrupting conversations
- Acting without thinking or little to no sense of danger
- Being unable to wait their turn
Many people with ADHD have difficulties which fall into both these categories, but this is not always the case. Some individuals have problems with concentrating and focusing, but not with hyperactivity or impulsiveness. This form of ADHD is also known as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). ADD may be diagnosed later than ADHD because the symptoms may be less obvious.
ADHD is often diagnosed more in boys than girls as girls are more likely to only have symptoms of inattentiveness, and may be less likely to show disruptive behaviours that makes ADHD symptoms more obvious. This means girls who have ADHD may not always be diagnosed.
The way these symptoms show in real life, may be slightly different in childhood and adulthood due to the varying demands on the individual.
Children with ADHD may struggle with day to day activities such as:
- Going to sleep
- Listening to, and following, instructions
- Being organised
- Social occasions
- Shopping
Adults with ADHD may find they have difficulties with:
- organisation and time management
- following instructions
- focusing and completing tasks
- coping with stress
- feeling restless or impatient
- impulsiveness and risk taking
- Some adults may also have issues with relationships or social interaction.
What would an ADHD Assessment involve?
At our ADHD assessments, our clinicians will ask questions to develop an understanding of yourself or your child, early life development, the current symptoms, and medical history. This may include symptoms that you may not necessarily be aware of, and how they impact your life.
Child assessments will involve questionnaires that caregivers complete. We will also conduct a school observation and ask teachers to complete questionnaires.
Adult assessments may involve talking to someone who knew you as a child.
Both child and Adult will also involve a computer based assessment called QbCheck, to objectively assess attention, activity and identify any signs of impulsivity.
All of this information will inform our diagnosis and recommendations to support you best.
