THE ASSESSMENT
What is an ADHD assessment?
An ADHD assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of attention, activity level, impulse control, and executive functioning. It determines whether ADHD is present and, if so, which presentation: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, or combined.
Because attention difficulties can also stem from anxiety, learning disabilities, sleep, or mood, we carefully consider what else may be contributing.
Attention and activity
Sustained attention, distractibility, restlessness, and impulse control.
Executive functioning
Planning, organization, working memory, time management, and emotional regulation.
The whole picture
Learning, mood, anxiety, and sleep, so the right explanation is found.
WHEN TO CONSIDER
When an assessment may help
These are some of the reasons families reach out to us.
01
Bright but underperforming
Work does not reflect what your child knows.
02
Teachers raise concerns
Repeated comments about focus, finishing work, or organization.
03
Homework battles
Homework routinely ends in frustration or conflict.
04
Impulsivity affects daily life
Safety, friendships, or learning are affected.
05
Struggling to keep up
Anxiety or low mood seems to come from constantly falling behind.
06
A new transition
Difficulties appear when starting high school or post-secondary studies.
ADHD cannot be diagnosed from a single questionnaire or appointment. A reliable answer draws on history, more than one setting, and standardized measures.
OUR APPROACH
What makes our approach different
Attention difficulties have many possible causes. Our assessment asks not only whether attention is a struggle, but why.
Look-alikes ruled out: anxiety, learning disabilities, sleep, and mood are carefully considered.
Girls are not overlooked: we know ADHD in girls is often quieter and internalized.
More than one setting: questionnaires from home, school, and, when age appropriate, the young person.
Developmental context: a child's age and stage are always part of the picture.
The right conditions for accurate results
We pace sessions to your child, offer breaks, and create a calm, predictable setting, so that standardized testing reflects what your child can truly do.
THE PROCESS
The assessment, step by step
The full process usually takes 4 to 6 weeks from intake to feedback, typically including 2 to 3 assessment sessions.
Step
What happens
Why it matters
Free consultation
A 15-minute call to talk through your concerns
Helps decide whether an ADHD assessment is the right fit
Background interview
Developmental history, school history, sleep, and family history
ADHD begins in childhood, so history is essential
Questionnaires
Standardized rating scales from parents, teachers, and the young person
Shows how attention and behaviour appear across settings
Direct assessment
Measures of attention, working memory, processing speed, and executive functioning, including a computerized attention task
Objective information about how attention works
Report and feedback
A written report, reviewed with you in a feedback meeting
Clear answers and practical next steps
AFTER THE ASSESSMENT
What you receive
01
A clear answer
Whether ADHD is present, which presentation, and what else may be contributing.
02
A detailed written report
Signed by a registered psychologist, and usable for school and post-secondary accommodations.
03
Practical recommendations
Strategies and accommodations for home and school.
04
A report for your doctor
Information to share with your family doctor or paediatrician when considering treatment.
Meet the assessment team
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What ages do you assess?
We assess children, teens, and young adults ages 2 to 21. For very young children, we take extra care, since high energy and short attention spans are often typical at that age.
Will the assessment also look at learning difficulties?
An ADHD assessment focuses on attention and executive functioning. If there are also concerns about reading, writing, or math, a full psychoeducational assessment may be the better choice. We will help you decide during your consultation.
Can you prescribe medication?
No. Psychologists do not prescribe medication. The report can be shared with your family doctor, paediatrician, or psychiatrist.
How much does it cost, and is it covered by insurance?
Fees depend on the components needed. We will give you a clear quote during your free consultation. Many extended health plans cover psychological assessments, and we can submit a predetermination to confirm your coverage before you begin.
How long does the process take?
Usually 4 to 6 weeks from intake to the feedback meeting.
RELATED READING
Keep learning
LEARN MORE
How ADHD presents, including in girls, and what else can look like it.