June 3, 2025 - neurocare clinics Australia
Many children naturally exhibit high levels of energy and may sometimes become distracted, which is a normal part of their development. However, when these behaviours become persistent and start to interfere with their daily activities, such as learning, playing, or interacting with others, it may be worth considering an assessment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Early identification of ADHD is crucial as it can significantly impact a child's ability to succeed in various aspects of life, particularly in academic settings where focus and attention are essential.
Moreover, recognising ADHD early can also enhance a child's social interactions, helping them to build and maintain relationships with peers and adults. By understanding and addressing these behaviours promptly, parents and caregivers can provide the necessary support and interventions that enable children to thrive both in school and in their social environments.
Common Signs of ADHD in Children
Children with ADHD often show patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that are inconsistent with their developmental stage. Look out for signs such as:
- Difficulty paying attention in class or at home
- Trouble following multi-step instructions
- Frequently losing items like school books or toys
- Excessive talking or interrupting others
- Difficulty sitting still or staying quiet when expected
- Impulsive behaviour, such as blurting out answers or acting without thinking
These behaviours are usually noticeable across multiple settings, including school, home, and social environments. It’s important to distinguish between occasional lapses in attention and consistent patterns that hinder learning and relationships.
School Challenges That May Indicate ADHD
Children with ADHD often struggle with academic performance not due to lack of intelligence, but because their executive functioning skills—such as memory, planning, and impulse control—are underdeveloped. This can lead to:
- Incomplete or poorly organised homework
- Difficulty starting or finishing tasks
- Behavioural issues in the classroom
- Low self-esteem related to academic struggles
Teachers may report your child as being constantly distracted, disruptive, or behind peers in completing work. These school challenges can sometimes be the first indication that an ADHD assessment may be beneficial.
The Diagnosis Process
An ADHD assessment for children typically includes:
- Clinical Interviews – A psychologist will speak with parents, and sometimes teachers, to gather a thorough developmental history
- Behavioural Questionnaires – Standardised tools filled out by caregivers and educators to identify patterns of behaviour.
- Cognitive Testing – Assesses attention, memory, and other executive functioning skills.
- Observations and Reports – Insights from schools and other caregivers provide a broader view of how your child functions in different settings.
The goal of the diagnosis process is to determine whether your child's behaviours meet the criteria for ADHD, and if so, to begin a support plan tailored to their needs.
The 'gold standard' approach to ADHD Assessments
neurocare Australia has brought a model of advanced assessment and reporting tools to its clinics in Sydney and Melbourne.
"Recent times have seen a significant increase in people seeking a diagnosis of ADHD," says neurocare Psychologist, Tim Gummersall. "The symptoms of ADHD can be mimicked by a range of different factors, so the need for a thorough assessment is important."
Psychologist working in neurocare clinics, have access to a range of different assessment tools and leading technologies in neuromodulation and diagnostics, utilised in neurocare clinics worldwide.
"Our assessments are gold-standard and our approach is holistic, incorporating a detailed understanding of the person’s unique situation and background. Given our access to neurotechnology, we are able to, where needed, further enrich the assessment by analysing brain activity in ‘real-time’ via a QEEG, for example," says Tim.
Getting an ADHD Assessment in Melbourne
Parents seeking assessments should consult with their GP or school to get referrals to experienced psychologists. Parents or teachers can refer to one of our experience psychologists at either our East Melbourne or Hawthorn location, a comprehensive set of tools in children’s learning and developmental needs.
After the assessment, the Psychology team can also make recommendations from comprehensive therapy programs including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Sleep Hygiene or Neurofeedback for ADHD.
Getting an ADHD Assessment in Sydney
neurocare also has clinics in Sydney CBD and Frenchs Forest, with experienced psychologists utliizing the diagnostic tools there. The child's school or GP can help with a referral to one of the psychologists, to get the process underway.
Following the assessment, the Psychology team may suggest a range of therapy programs, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Sleep Hygiene, or Neurofeedback , to address ADHD.
To enquire about ADHD Assessments in Sydney or Melbourne, parents or teachers can call 1300 149 300 to book all steps for the assessments.
Learn more about ADHD Assessments at neurocare clinics Australia.
