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Beginning an ADHD assessment for your child can feel overwhelming and raise many questions. At Lavendla, we aim to provide you with a clear and comprehensive understanding of the process to make the challenging part easier.
What is ADHD?
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neuropsychiatric disorder that affects attention, impulse control and overactivity.
There are several factors that contribute to the development of ADHD such as heredity, poor working memory and biological factors such as dopamine and noradrenaline. Children with ADHD may also have difficulty managing their emotions and have poor self-esteem and self-image.
Each child’s experience with ADHD is unique, making a thorough assessment essential.
What set our therapist apart was her genuine empathy and personal insight. Not only did she possess a deep understanding of neurodiversity, but she also shared personal experiences that resonated with us, creating an instant connection and fostering a sense of trust!
Benedetta Osarenk
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Identifying symptoms of ADHD
Before we start an ADHD assessment, you must identify the symptoms. These may include:
- Difficulty maintaining attention
- Overactive behaviour
- Impulsive actions
- Difficulty organizing and completing tasks
- If these symptoms seem familiar and affect your child’s daily life, it may be time to consider an assessment.
Why choose Lavendla for your child’s ADHD assessment?
As a private provider, we can offer faster access to assessment and individualized treatment plans. In addition, you can often choose a specialist with experience working with children.
Child ADHD assessment
- First contact: You will meet with a psychologist with experience conducting ADHD assessments for children.
- Initial meeting: An initial assessment meeting will be held, to discuss your child’s symptoms and needs. This may include examining the family’s medical history and information about school problems.
- Investigation phase:
- You will see a doctor who specializes in psychiatry for an assessment.
- We perform standardized tests to evaluate attention, impulse control and other cognitive functions.
- We conduct diagnostic interviews with the child, parents, and teachers to get a better picture.
- Evaluation and diagnosis: After collecting all the data, the doctor and psychologist make a joint assessment and possibly a diagnosis.
- Treatment plan: If ADHD is diagnosed, an individual treatment plan is drawn up. This plan also includes returning to school. Interventions may include medication, cognitive behavioural therapy adapted for ADHD, and caregiver training for family members.
- Follow-up and support: Regular follow-ups to review and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
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When can children be assessed for ADHD?
Each child is unique, so the assessment process must be tailored to each child’s specific needs. It can have many causes, and before starting an assessment, it is essential to rule out that the symptoms are not due to other factors in the child’s life. These may include stress, parenting difficulties or bullying. Schools also must put measures in place to support students, and it is good to have a dialogue with the school. An individual plan ensures that your child receives the most effective support for them.
How long does an assessment take?
An ADHD assessment takes about 20 hours and is completed over 2-3 months. If an ADHD diagnosis is made, discussing treatment options with the psychologist is essential. Treatment can include medication, psychological treatment with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or a combination of both. Parents must also receive support in understanding the problem and with their parenting.
If you or someone you know has lived with undiagnosed ADHD, it may have been a challenging journey. But remember, it’s never too late to seek help and get the care you need. The first step is to talk to a healthcare provider who can guide you through assessment and diagnosis.
Why Lavendla?
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45, 60 or 90 min sessions
Choose a 45, 60, or 90-minute session, or a package, providing flexibility and control over the duration and intensity.
Why is an assessment critical?
An assessment can give answers and an understanding of your child’s potential difficulties, leading to better support and help. It can also be a relief to have an explanation for certain behaviours or challenges. There are also hereditary factors in ADHD, so it is not uncommon for parents to identify symptoms in themselves as well.
Seeking help for your child is a big step; we are here to support you through the process. Remember that an assessment can start a journey towards understanding and support, which can make a significant difference in your child’s life.
12 FAQs about ADHD
What is an ADHD assessment for children?
An ADHD assessment is a process in which psychologists and doctors conduct various tests and interviews to determine whether a person has an attention problem with impulsivity and hyperactivity.
How does an ADHD assessment work?
The assessment typically includes cognitive tests, diagnostic interviews, and a thorough medical and psychological history to understand the child’s history and current situation. It involves both parents and the school.
How long does an assessment for ADHD for children take?
The duration of an ADHD assessment can vary, but it usually takes at least 20 hours and is usually completed in about 2-3 months.
What are the symptoms to look out for that could indicate ADHD?
Symptoms that may warrant an assessment for ADHD in children include difficulty listening, being easily distracted, forgetting and losing things, restlessness and difficulty sitting still.
At what age can an ADHD assessment be carried out?
An ADHD assessment is usually done at 5-12 years old because the child is very young before that. In adolescence, a lot happens in development that can make it difficult to distinguish from symptoms of ADHD. It can be helpful to have tried preventive measures before starting an assessment. It is also possible to have unnoticed symptoms that only become apparent or problematic in adulthood as demands and responsibilities increase, which can lead to a late diagnosis.
My child often fights. Do they have ADHD?
Children can be disruptive, but this does not mean that it is due to ADHD. It could be challenging to express their feelings and meet their needs. Adolescence is also a time of significant change. That’s why it’s essential to have a thorough assessment before an investigation to get the proper support.
Do I need a referral for an ADHD assessment?
In public health care, a referral from your local clinic is needed. Private clinics accept patients without a referral and often have shorter waiting times.
What interventions are available if my child is diagnosed with ADHD?
Treatment can include extra support measures at school, but also medication, cognitive behavioural therapy adapted to ADHD, and support strategies to cope with everyday life. It is also essential to educate parents and caregivers about the condition.
What can I do to prepare myself and my child for an ADHD assessment?
Talking to the child about the assessment and dialogue with the school is essential to get an overall picture of the child’s problems. If there are previous services, it is a good idea to bring documentation for these to the investigator.
Can ADHD be cured?
ADHD cannot be cured, but one-third of all those diagnosed as children do not have symptoms of ADHD as adults. This suggests that symptoms can change over time as the brain matures, so a thorough assessment must be carried out so that the child gets the right help.
What is the difference between ADD and ADHD?
ADD is ADHD with mainly symptoms of inattention but not hyperactivity and impulsivity.
My child has other problems like sleep problems and anxiety, can I get help with this?
We do a thorough assessment to rule out and treat other psychological problems that may be related to ADHD.
Steps in ADHD treatment for children
Seeking help and treatment for ADHD is a necessary process that can significantly improve quality of life. If you suspect that your child is suffering from ADHD-related symptoms, you can follow these steps:
1. Recognize the symptoms
Note when and how your children experience symptoms and how they affect your daily life. These may include forgetfulness, difficulty organizing tasks, or intense activity levels.
2. Consult a healthcare provider
Make an appointment with a trained psychologist for an initial assessment. Here, you can determine whether proceeding with the evaluation would be helpful.
3. Evaluation and diagnosis
A doctor and psychologist will collaborate on the assessment, conducting interviews and cognitive tests to determine whether your child’s symptoms are consistent with ADHD. The school must also be included in the evaluation.
4. Treatment plan
After diagnosis, a plan will be developed. This includes feedback to the school and interventions consisting of medication, therapy, and support for parents.
5. Medication
Stimulant and non-stimulant drugs may be prescribed to help control symptoms. The effects and side effects of the drugs will be closely monitored.
6. Therapy and support
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) adapted for ADHD may be recommended to help manage symptoms. Caregiver education and parental support are also important.
7. Adaptations at school
The school play a vital role in a child’s assessment. Sometimes, the school itself initiates an investigation. They must be involved in the investigation to ensure the child receives the right interventions at school.
8. Follow-up and adjustment
Regular follow-up meetings with the treating doctor and psychologist are needed to adjust the treatment plan and address any side effects or questions.
What can I do for my child in everyday life?
Lifestyle is essential for children with ADD and ADHD, and routines such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep are crucial. Teaching your child how to manage their emotions, set healthy boundaries, and build on their strength is also essential. ADHD can lead to problems with self-esteem and self-image, so it is necessary to see your child for who they are and accept them despite their difficulties.
Treatment can often seem daunting or challenging. The first step in the right direction can be just conversing with a psychologist or therapist. This is why we offer introductory sessions with our therapists, where you can be seen via video call for 20 or 45 minutes. You can book a call just to feel how it feels, all to make the hard stuff easier.
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