What is ADHD?
ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development, that is present before the age of 12.
Screening Tests
It is useful to first complete a free screening test, such as the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ages 18 and over) or the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale (completed by the parent/caregiver of a child aged 6 to 12 years old).
Please note that these tests are not diagnostic.
The Assessment Process
I am available to assess people aged 6 years and older.
The assessment will consist of a face-to-face session, of approximately 90 minutes (this can be done via telehealth in some cases) and the completion of psychometric tests.
For children/adolescents – the assessment will include consultation with parents/caregivers and a Teacher/s.
In assessing ADHD, other diagnoses will be considered.
A report will be provided at the completion of the assessment. If ADHD is present, I can provide contact details for a Psychiatrist (if you wish to discuss stimulant medication).
The cost of the assessment is $1,000. A non-refundable deposit of $250 is payable at the time of booking (due to costs associated with the tests). In the event that the assessment is cancelled prior to the tests being sent, the deposit (minus 4% administration charge) will be refunded. Payment of the balance is required on the day of the assessment.
An assessment can be booked here.
Assessing Executive Functions
Executive dysfunction is frequently evident in individuals who have ADHD. Executive functions are a set of interrelated control processes involved in the selection, initiation, execution, and monitoring of cognition, emotion, and behaviour, as well as aspects of motor and sensory functioning. The term executive function represents an umbrella construct reflecting self-regulatory functions that organise, direct, and manage other cognitive activities, emotional responses, and overt behaviours.
The tests included in the assessment are:
Conners 4
The Conners 4th Edition (Conners 4) measures symptoms of, and impairments associated with, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), as well as common co-occurring problems and disorders in youths aged 6 to 18 years. The Conners 4 is a revision of the Conners 3rd Edition (Conners 3; Conners, 2008). In addition to retaining and updating key content from the Conners 3, the Conners 4 includes a number of new and updated features, including Critical & Indicator Items, an Emotional Dysregulation Scale, Impairment & Functional Outcome Scales, and a new Response Style Analysis section. It has been designed to gather information from multiple sources, including one or more parents/guardians (using the Conners 4 Parent form), one or more teachers (using the Conners 4 Teacher form), and the youth themself (using the Conners 4 Self-Report).
Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales 2nd Edition (CAARS2)
The Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales 2nd Edition (CAARS2) provides a multimodal assessment of symptoms and behaviours associated with ADHD in adults aged 18 and older. It is composed of 97 items on ten empirically derived scales: Inconsistency Index; Negative Impression Index; Inattention; Hyperactivity; Impulsivity; Emotional Dysregulation; Negative Self-Concept; ADHD Inattentive Symptoms; ADHD Hyperactive/Impulsive Symptoms; Total ADHD Symptoms.
Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF2)
The BRIEF2 (second edition) is a rating scale completed by parents and teachers of children (5-18 years) and by adolescents (11-18 years), that assess everyday behaviours associated with executive functions in the home and school environments. It is desirable to obtain ratings from both parents if possible. When a choice is necessary, it is preferable to obtain the rating from the person with the most recent and most extensive contact with the child. The Teacher Form is designed to be completed by any adult who has had extended contact (one month of daily contact is sufficient) with the child in an academic setting.
Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult Version (BRIEF-A)
The BRIEF-A is a standardized self-report measure for adults aged 18 to 90 years old. The BRIEF-A captures adults’ views of their own executive functions, or self-regulation, in their everyday environment. In addition, it is preferable to administer the Informant Report Form to a knowledgeable informant (such as a spouse, adult child, parent, or caregiver) who has frequent (a minimum of twice per week) interaction with the individual.