​
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by significant and impairing inattentive and/or hyperactive/impulsive behaviour.There are three types of ADHD:
1. Predominantly Inattentive Type
Common features include:
-
Difficulty maintaining focus/easily distracted
-
Fails to complete tasks/follow through on instructions
-
Avoids/dislikes tasks that require sustained mental focus
-
Poor attention to detail/lots of careless mistakes
-
Regularly loses his/her materials or belongings
-
Poor planning and organisational skills
2. Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive Type
Common features include:
-
Constantly fidgets, taps, or squirms in his/her seat
-
Frequently gets up out of his/her seat
-
Runs/climbs in situations where it is inappropriate
-
Restless/difficult to keep up with
-
Often talks excessively
-
Interrupts others/butts into others' conversations
-
Has trouble waiting his/her turn
3. Combined Type
Individuals with ADHD (combined type) display both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive features.
​
​​
What is ADHD
How can ADHD testing help
-
Evaluating whether a child meets criteria for ADHD
-
Gaining greater insight into a child's strengths and weaknesses and therefore how to best support them
-
Ruling out overlapping issues such as working memory weakness, processing speed weakness, learning difficulties, and anxiety
-
Accessing supports at school including classroom adjustments/accomodations and special exam provisions
-
Evaluating treatment progress
ADHD Assessment
The process
An ADHD Assessment typically involves five stages:
1
Initial Assessment
​
The first step involves meeting with a clinician to discuss the reason for referral and what you would like to get out of testing. Your clinician will also gather a comprehensive history. The initial assessment is imperative in ensuring that the appropriate tests are administered, the findings are interpreted appropriately, and the recommendations are individually-tailored.
Duration: 1.5 hours
2
Cognitive Assessment
Your child is then administered either the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence – Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV) (for children aged 2 years and 6 months to 7 years and 7 months) OR the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children – Fifth Edition (WISC-V) (for children aged 6 to 16 years).
Duration: 1.5 hours
3
Academic Assessment
Your child is then administered the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test – Second Edition (WIAT-III), which is appropriate for children aged 4 to 19 years and 11 months.
Duration: 2.5 hours
4
Attentional Assessment
Your child is then administered either the Conners Kiddie Continuous Performance Test, 2nd Edition (for ages 4 to 7) OR Conners Continuous Performance Test, 3rd Edition (CPT-3) (for ages 8 years and older).
Duration: 15 - 20 minutes
5
Online Questionnaires
​
You and your child's teacher(s) are then required to complete an online questionnaire, which looks at inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive behaviour, along with common co-occurring difficulties such as learning difficulties, behavioural difficulties, and peer problems.
Duration: 10 - 15 minutes (per questionnaire)
6
Feedback Session
​
Once testing is complete, it typically takes 2-3 weeks for your clinician to score and prepare your report. Your clinician will then meet with you to discuss the results and recommendations. Your report will contain a detailed overview of the results and individually-tailored recommendations.
Duration: 1.5 hours