Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person regulates attention, activity levels, impulses and executive functioning.

ADHD can present differently from person to person and often looks quite different in children and adults. While some individuals experience noticeable hyperactivity and impulsivity, others primarily struggle with concentration, organisation, time management and completing tasks.

For many people, particularly adults who have never previously been assessed, ADHD may help explain longstanding difficulties that have affected their education, employment, relationships and self-esteem.

At The Psych Edit, we provide comprehensive, evidence-based ADHD assessments for children, adolescents and adults. Our approach recognises that ADHD is not simply about difficulty concentrating or sitting still. It involves understanding how an individual's brain functions, the challenges they experience and the strengths they bring to everyday life.

ADHD symptoms generally fall into three areas, although the way they appear can change across different stages of life.

Individuals with ADHD may experience:

• Difficulty sustaining attention, particularly during tasks that are repetitive or less engaging.
• Becoming easily distracted or losing track of conversations and instructions.
• Difficulty organising tasks, managing time and prioritising responsibilities.
• Procrastination, particularly when tasks feel overwhelming or involve multiple steps.
• Forgetfulness, frequently misplacing belongings or missing appointments.
• Difficulty starting tasks or completing projects despite understanding what needs to be done.

Impulsivity can affect behaviour, decision-making and interpersonal relationships. It may include:

• Interrupting others or speaking before considering what to say.
• Difficulty waiting, taking turns or tolerating delays.
• Making decisions without fully considering the consequences.
• Impulsive spending or difficulty managing finances.
• Reacting quickly to frustration or emotionally challenging situations.
• Difficulty regulating responses during disagreements or social interactions.

Hyperactivity is not always expressed through obvious physical activity.

In children, it may involve constant movement, fidgeting, excessive talking or difficulty remaining seated. In adolescents and adults, hyperactivity may become more internalised, presenting as:

• A persistent feeling of restlessness.
• Difficulty relaxing or switching off.
• Racing thoughts or a constantly active mind.
• Feeling compelled to remain busy.
• Difficulty tolerating periods of inactivity.

Although emotional dysregulation is not a core DSM-5-TR diagnostic criterion for ADHD, difficulties managing frustration, emotional responses and stress are commonly reported and may be explored during assessment.

An ADHD assessment is about more than establishing whether someone meets diagnostic criteria. A comprehensive assessment can help individuals and families understand longstanding patterns of behaviour, identify areas of cognitive and emotional difficulty, recognise strengths and develop practical strategies for improving everyday functioning.

ADHD can sometimes coexist with other conditions, including anxiety, depression, autism, learning difficulties and sleep disorders. Understanding the relationship between these difficulties is an important part of developing appropriate treatment recommendations.

At The Psych Edit, we consider the whole person rather than relying on a questionnaire or screening score alone.

Many adults seek an ADHD assessment after years of struggling with organisation, concentration, procrastination, emotional regulation or a persistent sense of underachievement.

Some have developed effective coping strategies that have allowed them to succeed academically or professionally, but maintaining this level of functioning may require considerable effort.

Others may have experienced difficulties that were previously attributed to anxiety, depression, personality characteristics or a lack of motivation.

ADHD may also become more noticeable during periods of increased responsibility or significant life transitions, when previously effective coping strategies are no longer sufficient.

At The Psych Edit, our adult ADHD assessments incorporate the DIVA-5 (Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults), a structured diagnostic interview based on DSM-5 criteria. The DIVA-5 examines ADHD symptoms across both childhood and adulthood, exploring how they have affected different areas of functioning over time.

Our comprehensive assessment process includes:

We explore the individual's presenting concerns, psychological history, educational experiences, occupational functioning, relationships and everyday challenges. This interview helps us understand the broader context in which attentional and executive functioning difficulties occur.

The DIVA-5 provides a structured assessment of inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. It examines the presence of symptoms during childhood and adulthood, their persistence over time and the extent to which they affect daily functioning.

The interview includes detailed exploration of areas such as organisation, task completion, time management, attention, impulsivity and activity regulation.

We use relevant psychological screening and assessment measures to explore ADHD symptoms and associated psychological difficulties. These may include the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS-42), which assists in understanding symptoms of emotional distress that may coexist with or contribute to difficulties with attention and concentration.

Questionnaire results are interpreted alongside clinical interviews and other assessment findings rather than being used as standalone diagnostic tools.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, making childhood history an important component of assessment. Where appropriate and with consent, we may seek information from parents, partners or other people who know the individual well. School reports, previous assessments and other relevant documentation may also assist in understanding the developmental course of symptoms.

Not all difficulties with attention, memory or executive functioning are caused by ADHD.

Our psychologists consider whether symptoms may be better explained by, or occur alongside, other conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma-related difficulties, autism or sleep disorders.

Following the assessment, your psychologist integrates information from clinical interviews, the DIVA-5, questionnaires, developmental history and relevant supporting documentation.

A comprehensive psychological report is prepared, outlining the assessment findings, diagnostic conclusions where supported, functional impacts and individualised recommendations.

Recommendations may address psychological treatment, workplace adjustments, educational support, executive functioning strategies and referral for medical review where appropriate.

A feedback consultation provides an opportunity to discuss the findings, understand the diagnostic conclusions and explore practical next steps.

Where appropriate, assessment findings may be shared with a treating psychiatrist or medical practitioner, with the client's consent.

ADHD in children and adolescents can affect learning, emotional regulation, behaviour, friendships, family relationships and confidence. Some children display obvious hyperactivity or impulsivity, while others experience primarily inattentive symptoms that may be less readily recognised. A child who appears distracted, forgetful, disorganised or reluctant to complete schoolwork may be experiencing difficulties with executive functioning rather than a lack of effort or motivation.

Adolescents may experience increasing challenges as academic demands, social expectations and personal responsibilities become more complex. Because ADHD symptoms can vary across different environments, a comprehensive assessment requires an understanding of how the young person functions at home, at school and in other areas of life.

At The Psych Edit, our child and adolescent assessments incorporate the Young DIVA-5, a developmentally appropriate structured diagnostic interview, alongside clinical assessment, developmental history, standardised questionnaires and information from parents and teachers.

Our assessment process includes:

We begin by gathering a comprehensive developmental and behavioural history.

This includes early developmental milestones, family history, educational experiences, emotional functioning, behaviour and the onset and progression of attentional or hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. We also explore the child's strengths, interests and areas of difficulty.

The young person participates in an age-appropriate clinical assessment designed to understand their experiences of attention, concentration, organisation, impulsivity, emotional regulation and everyday functioning. The assessment includes clinical interviews and behavioural observations appropriate to the child's developmental stage.

The Young DIVA-5 provides a structured assessment of ADHD symptoms and their impact on functioning. Information is gathered from the young person and their parent or caregiver, as developmentally appropriate, to explore symptoms across relevant settings.

We administer and interpret relevant psychological assessment measures to investigate ADHD symptoms and associated emotional or behavioural difficulties. These may include the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS), which screens for symptoms of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents. Additional ADHD-specific questionnaires may be completed by parents, teachers and young people where appropriate.

Information from teachers and educational settings is an important component of child and adolescent ADHD assessment. With parental consent, we may contact teachers or school support staff to obtain information about:

• Attention and concentration in the classroom.
• Organisation, planning and task completion.
• Impulsivity and activity levels.
• Academic functioning and learning difficulties.
• Emotional regulation and peer relationships.
• Differences between functioning at home and school.

Relevant school reports and previous assessments may also be reviewed.

In some cases, further interviews with parents or caregivers are required to clarify developmental history, symptom patterns or differences between environments.

These consultations help develop a more comprehensive understanding of the young person's presentation and ensure diagnostic conclusions are informed by multiple sources.

Our psychologists consider whether the child's difficulties may be associated with ADHD, other developmental conditions, learning difficulties, anxiety, trauma-related symptoms, sleep difficulties or a combination of factors. This process is particularly important because children can display similar behaviours for different underlying reasons.

Following the assessment, the psychologist integrates clinical findings, developmental history, questionnaire results, school information and behavioural observations. A comprehensive psychological report is prepared, outlining diagnostic findings, functional impacts, individual strengths and recommendations for home, school and ongoing support.

Recommendations may include classroom adjustments, executive functioning strategies, emotional regulation support, parent guidance and referral to other professionals where appropriate.

A feedback consultation provides an opportunity to discuss assessment findings, understand the young person's needs and consider practical strategies to support their development, learning and wellbeing.

A comprehensive ADHD assessment involves considerably more than the time spent in face-to-face appointments.

Our psychologists undertake substantial clinical work outside assessment sessions to ensure that diagnostic conclusions are informed by a thorough evaluation.

Depending on the assessment, this may include:

• Reviewing developmental, medical and educational records.
• Contacting parents, teachers or other relevant informants.
• Conducting additional clinical or developmental interviews.
• Administering, scoring and interpreting standardised questionnaires.
• Evaluating alternative or co-occurring psychological conditions.
• Integrating information from multiple sources.
• Preparing a detailed clinical formulation.
• Writing a comprehensive psychological assessment report.
• Developing individualised recommendations for treatment, education, employment and daily functioning.

These activities form an important part of the professional assessment process and are reflected in our assessment fees.

Any additional assessments, extensive consultations or specialist reports outside the agreed assessment package will be discussed and quoted in advance.

The number and duration of appointments vary depending on the individual's age, clinical presentation and complexity. Adult assessments generally involve a detailed clinical interview and structured DIVA-5 assessment.

Child and adolescent assessments typically require additional developmental information, parent involvement and consultation with educational settings.

Please allow approximately two weeks following completion of all required assessment components and receipt of supporting information for preparation of the psychological report.

Where additional information is required, your psychologist will discuss any implications for the assessment timeframe.

Following completion of the assessment, clients receive an explanation of the findings and recommendations for appropriate next steps.

These may include psychological therapy, practical executive functioning strategies, parent support, educational or workplace accommodations and referral to a psychiatrist or other medical practitioner where medication assessment is being considered.

Psychologists can assess and diagnose ADHD within their professional competence, but do not prescribe ADHD medication.

A psychological diagnosis does not automatically establish eligibility for medication, NDIS funding or other services, as these have separate assessment and eligibility requirements.

Our Approach at The Psych Edit

We recognise that every individual experiences ADHD differently. Our aim is to provide a thoughtful, thorough and evidence-based assessment that goes beyond identifying symptoms to understand the person behind them.

Whether you are an adult seeking answers to longstanding difficulties or a parent hoping to better understand your child's needs, our assessments are designed to provide clarity, practical recommendations and a pathway towards more effective support.

Kindly be aware that The Psych Edit provides ADHD assessments specifically designed for fully verbal clients.