How to get an ADHD assessment for your child in Australia (and what to expect)

The process can feel confusing from the outside. This article walks you through exactly what's involved, step by step, so you can make an informed decision about whether an assessment is the right next step for your family.

Start with your GP

The first step is a visit to your GP. You don't need to go in with certainty — you just need to describe what you're observing. Your GP will listen, rule out any medical causes for the symptoms, and if appropriate, provide a referral to a psychologist or paediatrician for formal assessment.

A referral also gives you access to a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP), which provides Medicare rebates for psychology sessions. Worth asking about at the same appointment.

What a psychologist-led ADHD assessment actually involves

A comprehensive ADHD assessment by a psychologist typically includes several components:

• A detailed clinical interview with parents and the young person (separately, where appropriate), exploring development, school performance, behaviour at home, and current concerns
• Behaviour rating scales completed by parents and teachers — standardised questionnaires that capture how symptoms present across different settings
• Cognitive and attention testing — structured tasks that assess processing speed, working memory, sustained attention, and impulse control
• A review of school reports, previous assessments, or other relevant background information

The assessment is not a single session. Across multiple appointments, the psychologist builds a complete picture of your child's strengths and challenges — not just whether they meet diagnostic criteria, but how their profile affects daily life.

How long does it take?

From the initial appointment to receiving a written report, a thorough ADHD assessment typically takes four to eight weeks. This allows time for information gathering, testing sessions, analysis, and report writing.

In Australia in 2026, wait times for ADHD assessments have been a real issue — some families report waiting over a year through the public system. Private psychology practices typically have shorter wait times, and it's worth enquiring directly about current availability.

What you receive at the end

A written assessment report is provided to families on completion. This document includes:

• A summary of assessment findings
• Whether diagnostic criteria for ADHD are met, and if so, which presentation (inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, or combined)
• Cognitive and attention test scores explained in plain language
• Practical recommendations for home, school, and any further support
• Information relevant to NDIS applications, where applicable

The report can be shared with your GP (who may initiate a referral for medication if appropriate), your child's school to support reasonable adjustments, and any other health professionals involved in your child's care.

What if the assessment doesn't lead to a diagnosis?

Not every assessment results in a diagnosis — and that's not a failure. A comprehensive assessment still gives you a much clearer picture of how your child's mind works: their strengths, the areas where they need more support, and what strategies are most likely to help. Many families find this clarity valuable regardless of the diagnostic outcome.

Adult ADHD assessments

If you're an adult who has been wondering about your own ADHD — perhaps after noticing similarities with your child — adult assessments are also available. The process is similar in structure, adapted for an adult context and life circumstances.

Taking the first step

If you're based on the Sunshine Coast or in Maroochydore, Neighbourhood Psychology offers comprehensive ADHD assessments for children, adolescents, and adults. Telehealth appointments are available Australia-wide.

The simplest first step is a conversation with your GP to discuss a referral and Mental Health Care Plan. You're also welcome to contact us directly to ask about the process, current wait times, and whether an assessment feels like the right fit for your family.