ADHD Assessments

Neurospa Psychology provides comprehensive ADHD assessments for children and adults across Adelaide, conducted by our AHPRA-registered psychologists. Each assessment is designed to establish a clear diagnostic picture, identify your unique neurocognitive profile, and provide the clinical documentation required to access appropriate care and support services.

What to Expect From an ADHD Assessment at Neurospa Psychology

An ADHD assessment at Neurospa Psychology is a structured clinical evaluation that determines whether difficulties with attention regulation, impulse control, emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning are consistent with an ADHD diagnosis. The process spans multiple stages and concludes with a comprehensive written clinical report and a 30-minute feedback consultation.

All ADHD assessments at Neurospa Psychology are conducted by our AHPRA-registered psychologists, experienced clinicians with a background in assessing children, adolescents, and adults across all life stages.

To ensure diagnostic accuracy, clinical information is gathered from multiple sources. For children, validated questionnaires are completed by both parents and teachers, capturing how ADHD presents across home and school settings. For adults, validated self-report rating scales are used alongside a structured clinical interview to establish a comprehensive and evidence-based diagnostic picture.

an adhd assessment adelaide

Who This Assessment Is For

Neurospa Psychology provides ADHD assessments for the following client groups:

  • Children presenting with difficulties in sustained attention, hyperactivity, or impulse control that are affecting academic performance or school-based functioning.
  • Adolescents and adults experiencing difficulties with organisation, task initiation, time management, or emotional regulation that are impacting daily functioning, occupational performance, or interpersonal relationships.
  • Individuals of any age seeking clinical clarification on whether ADHD is contributing to persistent difficulties in daily life.

Signs an ADHD Assessment May Be Appropriate

The following patterns are commonly reported by parents and individuals who contact Neurospa Psychology regarding an ADHD assessment. This list is not diagnostic but may serve as a useful starting point for considering whether a formal evaluation is warranted.

For Children

  • Tasks are frequently commenced but not completed.
  • Homework consistently takes significantly longer than expected given the child’s ability.
  • Emotional responses appear disproportionate to the situation and are difficult to regulate.
  • Teachers raise consistent concerns across consecutive school years.
  • A child is making genuine effort but academic results do not reflect that effort.

For Adults

  • Deadlines are missed despite genuine intention and effort to meet them.
  • Misplacing essential items is a frequent and disruptive occurrence.
  • Difficulty retaining short-term intentions, such as entering a room and immediately forgetting the purpose.
  • Sustained attention in meetings or structured tasks is consistently difficult to maintain.
  • A persistent sense of functioning below capacity, despite ongoing effort.

No GP referral is required to book an ADHD assessment at Neurospa Psychology.

How the ADHD Assessment Works

Every ADHD assessment at Neurospa Psychology follows a structured, multi-stage process designed to ensure clinical accuracy and keep clients and families informed at every step.

Validated questionnaires are emailed upon booking. For paediatric assessments, separate forms are completed by parents and teachers. Adults complete a validated self-report questionnaire. Please allow approximately 20 to 30 minutes per form. All questionnaires are completed prior to the first appointment.

Relevant prior documentation is reviewed where available, including academic records, school reports, and previous assessment results. Clients are encouraged to provide any available records prior to or at the time of their assessment session.

A structured face-to-face assessment session of approximately 1.5 hours is conducted at our Hilton, SA clinic. Sessions are calm and supportive, with no right or wrong answers. The session is designed to provide the assessing psychologist with an accurate and comprehensive clinical picture of the individual’s presentation.

A separate cognitive assessment session of approximately 1.5 hours may be recommended, particularly for children aged 6 to 17. This component evaluates intellectual functioning and cognitive strengths, and assists in ruling out alternative or co-occurring explanations for the presenting difficulties.

A comprehensive written clinical report is prepared covering all assessment findings, a formal diagnosis where diagnostic criteria are met, and specific evidence-based recommendations for school, home, and workplace settings as applicable. The completed report is emailed prior to the feedback consultation.

A 30-minute consultation is conducted with the assessing psychologist to review the report findings in detail. All findings are explained in plain language, questions are addressed, and clear next steps are outlined. After-hours appointments are available.

Fees, Referrals and Cancellation Policy

Assessment fees vary according to the type and complexity of the evaluation. Please contact Neurospa Psychology directly for current fee information and to confirm which assessment components are applicable to your situation.

Medicare: No referral is required to access ADHD assessment services at Neurospa Psychology as a private client. However, a referral from a General Practitioner or specialist may qualify you for a Medicare rebate. We recommend discussing eligibility with your GP prior to booking.

Private Health Insurance: Clients with private health insurance may be eligible for a partial rebate depending on their level of cover. We recommend contacting your provider directly to confirm eligibility and rebate entitlements for psychological assessment services prior to booking.

Book an ADHD Assessment in Adelaide

To book an ADHD assessment or confirm availability, please contact Neurospa Psychology directly by phone or email. Our team is available to discuss your situation and confirm which assessment components are most appropriate prior to booking. Neurospa Psychology serves clients from Hilton, Torrensville, Mile End, Thebarton, and across the Adelaide metropolitan area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral for an ADHD assessment?

No referral is required to book an ADHD assessment at Neurospa Psychology as a private client. However, a GP referral or Mental Health Care Plan may qualify you for a Medicare rebate. We recommend contacting our team prior to booking to discuss the most appropriate and cost-effective pathway for your situation.

The core assessment session is approximately 1.5 hours. For children aged 6 to 17, the optional cognitive assessment adds a further 1.5 hours and is conducted as a separate session. The full assessment process, from completion of pre-assessment questionnaires through to the feedback consultation, typically spans two to three weeks.

Yes. Adult ADHD assessments are among the most frequently requested services at Neurospa Psychology. No prior diagnosis or GP referral is required to book.

ADD is a diagnostic term that is no longer used in current clinical practice. The DSM-5, the current diagnostic standard, describes three presentations of ADHD: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined presentation. What was historically referred to as ADD corresponds to the predominantly inattentive presentation under current diagnostic criteria. A formal assessment at Neurospa Psychology identifies which presentation, if any, is clinically supported by the evidence.

Clients receive a comprehensive written clinical report covering all assessment findings, a formal diagnosis where diagnostic criteria are met, and specific evidence-based recommendations. This report is accepted by schools, workplaces, and Medicare as formal clinical documentation.