Structured Assessment for Adults, Adolescents & Children
Psychologist ADHD Assessment
ADHD assessment should examine a lifelong pattern of attention, activity, impulse regulation and executive functioning across contexts.
It is not a diagnosis generated by one online quiz or one questionnaire. A sound process also considers strengths, compensation, functional impact and alternative explanations.
Structured intake
Developmental history
Multiple sources where relevant
Differential considerations
Practical recommendations
This pathway may be useful for
The service should be described around the person’s referral question and functional needs, not around an assumed diagnosis or fixed package.
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Adults seeking later-life clarification
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Children or adolescents with persistent cross-setting concerns
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People with overlapping learning, autism, anxiety, sleep or executive questions
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Referrers needing a structured diagnostic pathway
What this pathway can help clarify
Use this section to state the questions the service may help answer. Keep the language proportionate: assessment contributes evidence and interpretation; support translates goals into practical work.
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Whether a persistent developmental pattern is supported
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How symptoms affect home, school, study, work and relationships
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What co-occurring or alternative factors require consideration
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What practical and medical next steps may be useful
How the pathway usually works
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Suitability and referral-question review.
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Clinical and developmental interview.
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Selected standardised questionnaires or measures.
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Collateral information and record review where indicated.
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Differential formulation and diagnostic reasoning.
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Feedback, report and recommendations as agreed.
FAQs
Can an online ADHD quiz diagnose me?
No. Screening can guide next steps but does not establish diagnosis.
Do adults need childhood evidence?
Developmental evidence is important, but availability varies and limitations should be explained.
Can a psychologist diagnose ADHD?
A registered psychologist may assess and diagnose within competence and scope; prescribing is medical.
Can ADHD and autism be assessed together?
Sometimes a combined or staged clarification pathway is appropriate.
Is telehealth available?
It depends on age, privacy, measures, risk and clinical judgement.