ADHD Assessments

ADHD assessments by experienced clinicians typically involve a comprehensive evaluation process that includes several key components.

Assessment questionnaires: The Thrive service includes standardized ADHD symptom checklists that enable a good psychometric measure concerning the impact on on every day living.  These checklists work best when filled out by people who know the individual well. For adults, this could be a partner, while for children, parents and teachers are ideal. These objective inputs provide a broad view of the individual’s behaviour in different settings.   We can also gather further information from teachers, coaches or others in the individual’s life. This provides additional context for the clinician to assess the consistency of symptoms across varied situations.

Clinical Interview which is conducted for children by our Paediatrician or Child Development Consultant Psychologist, or for adults by our Psychiatrist or Consultant Clinical Psychologist. The clinician will start with a detailed interview, asking about the individual's history, including academic, social, and family life, as well as any challenges they may have faced in these areas. They will inquire about current symptoms, their onset, and how long they've been affecting the individual. The clinician may also ask about the individual’s developmental history, including early childhood behaviour, school performance, employment, and any previous diagnoses or treatments.

Knowledge and Education Consultation: At this stage we then invite you to a pre-assessment knowledge and education consultation to learn, prior to diagnosis, what neurodiversity means for you or someone you care about. This is held with one or two of our clinicians including a Psychologist Practitioner trained in neurodiversity. Our Clinical Lead Consultant psychologist will oversee this consultation and attend at the start and finish. This session allows us to share further knowledge and education with you about neurodiversity generally as well you or your loved one's specific case. The session is important because it will help you understand what kind of assessment, if any, you may want to pursue. It may also enable us to suggest a combined ADHD and Autism assessment rather that two separate assessments or may just provide the opportunity for a straightforward explanation of the person's experiences, helping to make sense of them, no matter what the final outcome is. It can assist you in deciding whether you need a formal diagnostic assessment and can also help to avoid unnecessary assessments.

Behavioural Observations: The clinician will observe the individual’s behaviour during the session to identify any signs of impulsivity, inattention, or hyperactivity. They will assess how well the individual can stay focused or follow instructions.

Diagnostic Criteria: These are typically completed from the evidence provided during the observations.  The clinician will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria for ADHD to determine whether the individual meets the necessary criteria for diagnosis. This includes the presence of symptoms in at least two different settings (e.g., home, school, work), and symptoms that cause significant functional impairment in daily life.

Neuropsychological Testing: Sometimes clinicians might administer cognitive or neuropsychological tests to assess attention, executive function, working memory and other cognitive processes that could be impacted by ADHD. These tests help identify any cognitive difficulties or strengths which can be important for a comprehensive understanding of the individual’s needs.

Additional information from other sources or services may be used and additional assessment sessions may be required at this stage.

Rule Out Other Conditions: A primary objective of the paediatric assessment is to eliminate the possibility of other disorders. During this process, the clinician will aim to identify and rule out other conditions that may resemble the symptoms of ADHD. These can include anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, sleep disorders, and various other medical issues. This thorough evaluation ensures a more accurate understanding of the child's condition and appropriate management of any identified concerns.

Feedback and Recommendations:  At the conclusion of the diagnostic process at Thrive, we provide an opportunity for clients to receive feedback and recommendations. Following the assessment, a clinician will deliver this feedback, typically through a written report. This report will indicate sources of evidence in clear detail such that any establishment will fully understand the gravity and implication for any support where needed.  The recommendations will incude appropriate approaches for such support or implementation of change and may encompass various treatment options, including behavioural therapy, medication, academic accommodations, and lifestyle modifications. There may also be a need for a continual process of working alongside you / your loved one in facilitating an improved environment to enable thriving and not just surviving. 

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