By Eytan Woolfson, Clinical Psychologist
If you are reading this, there is a good chance you have been wondering about ADHD for a while. Maybe your child's teacher has raised concerns about focus. Maybe you have spent years feeling like everyday tasks take you twice the effort they take everyone else. Either way, deciding to look into an ADHD assessment is a big step, and most people come to it with the same questions: what is actually involved, how much does it cost, and what happens afterwards?
This guide walks through how ADHD assessments work at our clinic in Murrumbeena, in Melbourne's south-east, for children, teenagers and adults.
What is ADHD, really?
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain regulates attention, activity and impulses. It is not a lack of intelligence or effort. Many people with ADHD work harder than those around them just to keep up with daily demands.
ADHD is also common. Australian clinical guidelines estimate that it affects around 6 to 10 per cent of children and 2 to 6 per cent of adults. Plenty of adults, women in particular, reach their thirties or forties before anyone joins the dots.
Signs it might be worth getting assessed
In children and teenagers:
Trouble staying focused on schoolwork, even when they are trying
Losing things, forgetting instructions and struggling to get started or finish
Constant movement, fidgeting or talking
Acting before thinking, interrupting or finding it hard to wait
Big emotional reactions that seem out of proportion
School reports that say "capable, but easily distracted"
In adults:
Chronic procrastination and missed deadlines despite good intentions
Difficulty organising, prioritising and managing time
Starting many projects and finishing few
Restlessness or a mind that never seems to switch off
Forgetting appointments, bills and conversations
A long history of feeling like you are underachieving
Everyone experiences some of these some of the time. An assessment looks at whether the pattern has been there since childhood, shows up in more than one area of life and is getting in the way.
What an ADHD assessment involves
A thorough assessment is much more than a checklist. At Family First Psychology it has six parts.
Clinical interview. For children, we meet with parents or carers to talk through development, behaviour, learning and current concerns. For teenagers and adults, we talk through symptoms, daily life and how things have changed over time.
Questionnaires. Standardised rating scales (the Conners-4 and Vineland-3) are completed by parents, teachers and the person being assessed. These cover attention, behaviour, emotional regulation and everyday skills.
School reports. Past and current reports help show how long the difficulties have been present.
Cognitive testing. We use the WISC-V for children or the WAIS-IV for older teenagers and adults to understand thinking and learning strengths and to rule out other explanations.
Structured diagnostic interview. The DIVA-5 looks carefully at ADHD symptoms across both childhood and adulthood.
Feedback session and written report. We go through the results with you in plain language. You receive a detailed written report with clear, practical recommendations that is yours to keep and share with your GP, school or workplace.
Why a thorough assessment matters
Difficulty concentrating has many possible causes. Anxiety, depression, poor sleep, trauma, learning difficulties and autism can all look like ADHD, and they often occur alongside it. A quick screening can miss this. A comprehensive assessment is designed to work out what is really going on, so the support you get afterwards actually fits.
How much does an ADHD assessment cost?
Our ADHD assessment is $1,500. This includes the interviews, questionnaires, testing, feedback session and full written report. If you would also like cognitive or academic testing, combined assessments start at $2,000. Current prices are always listed on our Fees & Rebates page.
What happens after the assessment?
Whatever the outcome, you leave with answers and a plan. If ADHD is diagnosed, next steps may include:
Understanding your brain. Learning how ADHD works is often the most powerful first step.
Therapy and skills coaching. Practical strategies for organisation, emotional regulation and self-esteem.
Parent support. For families, programs that make routines and behaviour easier at home.
School or workplace adjustments. Your report includes recommendations that teachers and employers can act on.
Medication review. Psychologists do not prescribe medication. If you want to explore it, we can write to your GP about a referral to a paediatrician or psychiatrist.
If the assessment shows something other than ADHD, that is just as valuable. You will know what is driving the difficulties and where to focus.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral for an ADHD assessment?
No. You can contact us directly. A referral is only needed if you want to claim Medicare rebates for therapy sessions.
Do you offer ADHD assessment for adults in Melbourne?
Yes. We assess children, adolescents and adults at our Murrumbeena clinic. Many adults seek an assessment after their own child is diagnosed and the description sounds familiar.
Ready for some clarity?
If you are wondering whether ADHD might explain what you or your child have been experiencing, a conversation is a good place to start. Family First Psychology offers a free 15-minute consultation so you can ask questions and decide whether an assessment is right for you.
Book your free 15-minute chat today. Send us an enquiry or call 0406 002 269. We see clients at our Murrumbeena clinic and via telehealth.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for individual professional advice. Family First Psychology is not a crisis service. In an emergency call 000, or Lifeline on 13 11 14.