Specialist assessments

ADHD Assessments — Sunshine Coast

Comprehensive, evidence-based ADHD assessments for children, adolescents and adults. Clear guidance, practical recommendations, and a warm, neuroaffirming approach throughout.

At Neighbourhood Psychology, we provide comprehensive ADHD assessments across the Sunshine Coast. We understand that seeking an assessment can feel overwhelming for individuals and families. Our goal is to provide a supportive, respectful and evidence-based process that helps you better understand attention, behaviour, learning and emotional wellbeing.

What's involved: A comprehensive ADHD assessment for children, adolescents and adults. Includes clinical interview, behaviour rating scales, cognitive and attention testing, and a written report with practical recommendations. Reports are suitable for GPs, schools, and NDIS plans. Adult ADHD assessments are also available.

Understanding ADHD

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can affect many areas of daily life, including attention and concentration, organisation and time management, emotional regulation, impulsivity, academic performance, relationships and self-esteem.

ADHD presents differently for every person. Some individuals experience primarily inattentive symptoms, while others may experience hyperactivity, impulsivity or a combination of both. Early identification and support can make a significant difference in long-term wellbeing, learning and functioning.

Who we assess

We provide ADHD assessments for children, adolescents and adults. Assessments may be helpful for individuals experiencing:

  • Difficulty focusing, sustaining attention or completing tasks
  • Forgetfulness and disorganisation
  • Emotional outbursts or frustration
  • Hyperactivity or restlessness
  • Challenges at school, work or home

Our assessment process

Each assessment follows a structured process, tailored to the individual. Here's what to expect from start to finish.

1
Initial consultation

We begin with a clinical interview to understand current concerns, developmental history and daily functioning. This session helps us tailor the assessment to the individual's specific needs.

2
Assessment sessions

Assessment activities are usually conducted across 1–2 appointments. Information is gathered from multiple sources rather than relying on a single questionnaire or appointment — this includes behavioural questionnaires, cognitive and attention measures, and where relevant, information from parents, teachers or the workplace. Sessions are structured but conversational, and we work at the individual's pace throughout. Standardised measures include the Conners-4 as the primary tool for attention and executive functioning, alongside the DASS-21, RCADS, and measures of functional impairment. Additional clinically appropriate tools may be used depending on age and referral needs.

3
Scoring and integration

Once assessment sessions are complete, questionnaires are finalised and returned, school or workplace information is reviewed, and all assessment data is scored, interpreted and clinically integrated. The full process typically takes around 3 weeks from the initial intake session. The exact timeframe depends on how quickly background information is received and whether additional assessment is needed.

4
Report writing

Dean prepares a comprehensive written report summarising findings, diagnostic formulation and practical recommendations. The report is written clearly for families, GPs, schools and other supports.

5
Feedback session

We meet to walk through the results together. This is an opportunity to ask questions, discuss the report's findings and talk through the practical recommendations in detail.

What you receive

At the end of the assessment process, you will receive a comprehensive written report and a dedicated feedback session with Dean. The written report includes:

  • Background information and presenting concerns
  • Assessment tools used and clinical observations
  • Questionnaire results and diagnostic impressions where appropriate
  • Inattention, distractibility and concentration profile
  • Hyperactivity, restlessness and impulsivity
  • Executive functioning, organisation, planning and task initiation
  • Working memory and processing speed where relevant
  • Emotional regulation and frustration tolerance
  • Functional impact across home, school, work and daily life
  • Co-occurring anxiety, mood, autism, learning, sleep or trauma-related concerns
  • School, university, workplace and home-based recommendations
  • Recommendations for GP, paediatrician or psychiatrist review where medication may be considered

The aim is a practical, easy-to-understand report that supports diagnostic clarity, treatment planning, school or workplace adjustments, and next steps for support.

Adult ADHD assessments

Many adults seek assessment after years of experiencing difficulties with focus and productivity, organisation and planning, emotional overwhelm, time management, workplace stress or chronic feelings of underachievement. For many adults, an assessment provides clarity, validation and direction for future support strategies.

Further reading: Not sure what an ADHD assessment involves? Our step-by-step guide walks through the full process — from GP referral to written report. Read the guide →

Concerned about overlapping difficulties? If autism features are also a consideration, our ADHD + Autism combined assessment covers both in one integrated process. For a broader picture including learning and cognitive profile, see our comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessment.

Frequently asked questions

How long does an ADHD assessment take?

ADHD assessments are typically completed across 1–2 sessions. The full process — from initial intake through to the written report — is usually around 3 weeks. This depends on how quickly questionnaires are returned and whether additional assessment is needed.

Do I need a Mental Health Care Plan or referral?

An MHCP is not required to book an assessment. However, a GP referral may support a Medicare rebate for some parts of the process .

Can children attend without parents?

In most cases, a parent or caregiver will need to be present — particularly for younger children. This can be flexible depending on age and circumstances, and some background information can be gathered via questionnaire or Telehealth. Please contact us to discuss your child's specific situation.

Do you assess adults for ADHD?

Yes. We provide ADHD assessments for children, adolescents and adults.

Can ADHD occur alongside anxiety or autism?

Yes. ADHD can occur alongside other conditions, including anxiety, autism and learning difficulties. Comprehensive assessment helps identify overlapping concerns and support needs.

Clarity makes a real difference.

An assessment isn't just about a diagnosis — it's about understanding how someone thinks, learns and experiences the world, and what can help. Get in touch to find out more.