Child ADHD Assessments in Perth

At Headway Psychology, we provide child ADHD assessments in Perth, offering a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to understanding your child’s needs.

Our dedicated team of experienced psychologists aims to help parents and caregivers identify and support children facing the unique challenges of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

We understand that each child is different. Through comprehensive assessment and tailored recommendations, we aim to equip families with the knowledge and strategies needed to support their child’s development.

Who should get a child ADHD assessment?

Our child ADHD assessments are suitable for children who:

  • Struggle with attention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity.
  • Have difficulties in school or at home that may be linked to ADHD.
  • Show signs of inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsive behaviour that disrupt their daily life.
  • Require a formal diagnosis for educational support or other services.

 

If you suspect your child may have ADHD, a professional assessment is a vital first step to understanding their challenges and strengths.

 

PLEASE NOTE: Psychologists cannot prescribe medication.

If, after the assessment process, you wish to pursue medication for your child, you will need to make an appointment with a paediatrician to discuss the pros and cons of medication.

What is ADHD in children?

ADHD (attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder) is a developmental disorder and mental health condition that affects a child’s ability to regulate their thoughts, emotions, and behaviour.

ADHD is typically identified during childhood and may present in one of three ways:

  1. Inattentive type: Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, or being easily distracted.
  2. Hyperactive-impulsive type: Fidgeting, restlessness, or acting without thinking.
  3. Combined type: A mixture of symptoms from both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types.

 

It’s also important to remember that ADHD often presents differently in girls than it does in boys, so receiving the necessary support can make a significant difference.

This is especially true as many women with ADHD tend to go undiagnosed until later in life compared to boys, who more commonly get diagnosed during childhood.

What are the symptoms of ADHD in children?

Some common symptoms of ADHD that children may experience include:

  • Difficulty focusing, concentrating, or paying attention in school.
  • Frequent forgetfulness or losing items.
  • Carelessness and lack of attention to detail.
  • Impulsive actions or speaking without thinking.
  • Difficulty sitting still or staying quiet in appropriate settings.
  • Procrastination and difficulty maintaining important goals.
  • Struggles with completing tasks or following instructions.
  • Poor organisation, planning, and time management skills.
  • Irritability or anger outbursts.
  • Interpersonal or academic difficulties.

 

Recognising these signs early can help you provide the right support for your child.

Child ADHD assessment process

At Headway, our childhood ADHD assessments are comprehensive and ensure a thorough understanding of your child’s needs.

We offer two types of assessments: Basic and Comprehensive.

ADHD basic assessment (not including intelligence testing):

Step What’s Involved?
Initial Assessment Interview; 1 hour (with parent) Gathers history of concerns, developmental history, and other details to help rule out other disorder/s. Parent/s to complete a questionnaire about ADHD online after the session.
ADHD Assessment Interview; 1 hour (with parent) Explores symptoms of ADHD in more detail.
Teacher ADHD Interview; 30 minutes via phone Provides context of symptoms in the school environment. Can be done with an Education Assistant if more suitable. Teacher to complete questionnaire online after session.
Observation of child; 1 hour Preferably done at school, but can be done in the office. Allows psychologist to see symptoms of concern and rule out other possible diagnoses.
Interpreting and Reporting Interpretation of the scores and report writing. Report will not be released until all fees to this point are paid.
Feedback – Optional; 30 minutes (with parent) Optional: Discuss assessment findings and recommendations.

ADHD comprehensive assessment (including intelligence testing):

Step

 

 What’s Involved?

 
Initial Assessment Interview; 1 hour (with parent) Gathers history of concerns, developmental history, and other details to help rule out other disorder/s. Parent/s to complete a questionnaire about ADHD online after the session.

 
ADHD Assessment Interview; 1 hour (with parent)

 

 Explores symptoms of ADHD in more detail.
Teacher ADHD Interview; 30 minutes via phone Provides context of symptoms in the school environment. Can be done with an Education Assistant if more suitable. Teacher to complete questionnaire online after session.

 
WISC Administration; 2 hours (with child) WISC administered – Completing tasks and playing games to understand how the child’s brain works. Includes observation of child.

 
Interpreting and Reporting Interpretation of the scores and report writing. Report will not be released until all fees to this point are paid.

 
Feedback – Optional; 30 minutes (with parent) Optional: Discuss assessment findings and recommendations.

Child ADHD Assessment & Diagnosis FAQs

Recognising ADHD can be challenging, as many symptoms overlap with typical childhood behaviours. While there is no simple ‘ADHD symptoms in children checklist,’ if your child shows persistent inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity across different settings (e.g. home and school), an assessment can help provide clarity.

Diagnosing ADHD in younger children, particularly those under the age of six, can be difficult due to rapid changes in behaviour at this early stage. Proper evaluation of the child’s symptoms is crucial, and assessments are often recommended for children around six years of age or older, although many younger children may display signs of ADHD within the normal behavioural range.

Contact the Headway team at (08) 9226 4489 or email us at referrals@headwaypsych.com.au to learn more about our children's ADHD tests.

Discover more about how ADHD symptoms can influence your child’s behaviour and mood in this article.

ADHD can be reliably diagnosed in children as young as six years old. Diagnosis is typically more common between the ages of 6 and 12 when symptoms become more apparent in structured settings like school and multi-contextual reports of symptoms can be provided.

Recognising ADHD symptoms in children can be tricky, but early assessment and accurate diagnosis can lead to better management and support. If you’re considering getting a diagnosis for your child, contact the team at Headway to book an appointment.

The team at Headway Psychology comprises qualified psychologists and mental health professionals with extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in children.

They can guide you through the assessment process and provide personalised recommendations. Book in today to get an assessment.

Once you’re ready to make a booking for an ADHD diagnosis in Perth for your child, call Headway’s friendly administration team on (08) 9226 4489, or submit an online enquiry, mentioning that you’re interested in an ADHD test for your child.

Our childhood ADHD tests involve interviews with parents, teacher feedback, observations of the child, and validated questionnaires. For a comprehensive and more detailed assessment, intelligence testing (e.g., WISC) may also be included.

Please bring along any of your child’s school reports to your appointment. These reports are essential to help your psychologist understand the multi-contextual and historical symptoms presented during the developmental period.

Yes, at the completion of the assessment process (during the Feedback Session), the psychologist will inform you and your child whether or not they meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. If your child does meet the criteria, the psychologist will be able to provide a written, formal diagnosis, within the comprehensive report.

Our reports can be reviewed by a paediatrician who may confirm the diagnosis and prescribe medication where appropriate if you would like to proceed down that path.

ADHD is thought to result from a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. Research suggests that genetics play a significant role, with ADHD often running in families. Neurological differences in brain structure and function, particularly in areas related to attention and impulse control, also contribute to the condition.

Importantly, ADHD is not caused by parenting style, diet, or a lack of discipline. Instead, it is a neurodevelopmental condition that requires understanding and appropriate support.

Supporting a child with ADHD involves creating structured routines, using positive reinforcement, and seeking professional guidance. Therapy and educational support can also assist children with ADHD.

Learn more here with our guide for Strategies to Manage Children’s Challenging Behaviour.

Helping a child with ADHD to involves using strategies such as maintaining a predictable routine, breaking tasks into manageable steps, and creating a quiet, structured environment. Mindfulness activities or calming sensory tools can also be beneficial.

Being formally diagnosed with ADHD as a child provides a number of advantages. Early diagnosis allows parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals to better understand the child’s unique challenges and strengths and to recognise how ADHD can influence mood and behaviours – paving the way for appropriate support and intervention.

This can include tailored learning strategies, access to specialised educational resources, behavioural therapy and our specialised children's ADHD therapy, all of which can help the child succeed academically and socially.

Additionally, understanding ADHD at a younger age can foster self-awareness and equip children with tools to manage their symptoms effectively as they grow.

Parenting a child with ADHD requires patience, consistency, and understanding. Establishing structured routines, using clear communication, providing positive reinforcement, and positive parenting strategies can make a significant difference.

Seeking support from professionals and parent training programs can also help you better manage challenges and build a strong relationship with your child.

Read more about Strategies to Manage Children’s Challenging Behaviour.

Children's ADHD test with Headway Psychology

Why choose Headway Psychology for your child’s ADHD assessment?

At Headway Psychology, we offer:

  • A compassionate and child-centred approach to assessments.
  • Experienced psychologists specialising in child ADHD diagnosis.
  • Tailored recommendations to support your child’s unique needs.
  • Comprehensive reports suitable for school or medical use.
Book an appointment

Contact us for children’s ADHD tests in Perth

If you’re looking for professional and evidence-based ADHD assessment in Perth for your child, contact Headway Psychology today. Our friendly team is here to guide you through the process and help you support your child’s development.

Get in touch with our friendly team today at (08) 9226 4489 or email us at referrals@headwaypsych.com.au to book your child’s ADHD assessment.