Mobile ADHD Assessment for Children in Brisbane, Logan & Gold Coast

Assessments and Answers Psychology

Intake Session

A one-hour intake session is fundamental to determining which assessment package is right for your child. The intake session is completed without the child present, to allow the psychologist and parent to discuss presentations of concern, and complete relevant rating scales. Upon the psychologist’s review of the information, they will propose which assessment package is most suitable for the child’s needs. A detailed breakdown of the assessment packages can be found under ”Times and Inclusions.

Mobile Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Assessments for Children

How do I know if my child needs an assessment?

ADHD is classed as a neurodevelopmental disorder, which can present as predominately inattentive, predominately hyperactive/impulsive, or as a combined presentation (both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive).Assessment can assist in clarifying presentation and determining specific recommendations, resources, and supports.

Common characteristics of ADHD include:

Difficulty maintaining attention
Hyperactivity (excess movement considered inappropriate to the setting)
Poor impulse control
Novelty seeking
Poor time management
Relationship and social challenges
Poor regulation of emotion
Symptoms often interfere with or reduce the quality of academic performance

Why does my child need an assessment?

Many children experience difficulties sitting still, waiting their turn, paying attention, fidgeting, and acting impulsively. However, children who meet the criteria for ADHD differ in that their symptoms result in marked impairment in social and/or academic functioning. Without adequate support, individuals with ADHD are at increased risk of developing further mental health challenges, including poor self-esteem, increased anxiety and depression, and elevated irritability and/or anger. ADHD diagnosis can allow families to seek adequate treatment and support, with early interventions shown to result in significant behavioural, social, and academic improvement.

Our comprehensive ADHD assessment explores developmental, behavioural, social, and academic functioning, to determine whether a child meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. At the end of the assessment process, a comprehensive report will be provided, in addition to a parent/carer feedback session. Future recommendations and supports will be determined in response to specific client and family needs, including the need for a referral to other healthcare professionals where appropriate.

What’s included as part of the assessment?

A referral from a general practitioner is not required for an ADHD assessment. The process of assessment involves several components, including:

Clinical Interview and History Gathering: The psychologist will conduct a clinical interview with the parent/caregiver to gather information about the child’s family and medical history, developmental milestones, and symptoms of ADHD.
Rating Scales: The psychologist will request the child (age-dependent), parent/caregiver, and child’s teacher (if applicable) to complete questionnaires assessing characteristics commonly associated with ADHD.
Standardised Assessment: The psychologist will use standardised assessment tools specifically designed to aid in the diagnosis of ADHD.
Development and Cognitive Testing: The psychologist will assess the child’s cognitive abilities, academic function, and executive functioning skills to provide insight into current functional and social capacity.

Report and Recommendations:

As part of the assessment package, a comprehensive report and recommendations are provided. Please note there is a two to three-week turnaround on reports. Report findings will be communicated with parents/caregivers during the feedback session.

Times and Inclusions

Intake Assessment– 1 hour

TheConner’s Comprehensive Behaviour Assessment (CCBA) will be provided to the child’s teacher and parent for completion (online questionnaire). Upon its completion, the psychologist will determine which assessment package is most appropriate for the child.
An appointment with the child’s parent/caregiver will occur via phone or video call in response to the CCBA findings, as well as to complete further rating scales and determine the next steps in the assessment process.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Assessment Inclusions

Session 1: The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition (WISC-V) – 2 hours
The psychologist will assess the child’s cognitive abilities, language skills, academic function, adaptive functioning, and executive functioning skills via the use of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition (WISC-V) to provide insight into the child’s current functional and social capacity. Findings of the WISC-V inform diagnosis in terms of assigning appropriate specifiers.

Session 2: The Test of Everyday Attention-2 nd Edition (TEA-Ch2) – 1 hour The Test of Everyday Attention for Children Second Edition (TEA-Ch2) uniquely measures separable aspects of attention in children aged 5 to 15. Measuring attention is important for understanding why a child may be challenged with everyday activities. This second edition is a unique combination of paper-based and digital tests that address key aspects of attention: selective, sustained, and switching.

Session 3: The Feedback Session – 1 hour
The feedback session will be scheduled 4-6 weeks after the final assessment. The psychologist will provide parents/caregivers a comprehensive report, and discuss findings and recommendations. This appointment is available to be conducted via phone or video call.

Please note, this assessment does not guarantee a diagnosis of ADHD and results should be reviewed with a paediatrician or psychiatrist.
Please note, we are currently only providing ADHD assessments for children aged 6 to 15 years old.

Fee Schedule and Duration

Assessment fees are determined by an estimate of clinical time, for which an hourly rate of $250.00 is applied. Clinical time is subject to vary depending on client needs and will be discussed with families upon intake. A rate of $120 for assessment materials is applied to all cost estimates.

Assessment estimates can be seen below:

Mobile Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Assessment: $2,120
(based on 8 hours of clinical time and assessment materials)

*Note:

A $500.00 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking.
An invoice with the total fee will be provided after the last assessment.
Payment must be received before scheduling the feedback session.
Assessments are not covered by Medicare.
Some psychological services may be eligible for rebates through private health insurance. Please get in touch with your insurer to confirm your eligibility for rebates.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will not fund diagnostic assessments unless it has been directly requested by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). Cognitive assessments may be funded in some circumstances and are dependent on your plan. Please contact your local area coordinator before scheduling an assessment to ensure you can claim the assessment fees.
Should a referral be received from a paediatrician or psychiatrist, four hours of diagnostic assessment is eligible for a rebate. The rebate for each session is $93.35, and can only be applied to standardised assessment and development/cognitive testing. For further information see the Medicare Benefits Schedule(Diagnostic Assessment Plan for Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders).