ADHD Assessments
Assessments for adults and children
What is ADHD?
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects both children and adults. Neurodevelopmental means that we are born with ADHD - it’s not due to a “fault” or anything that was done “wrong”.
It's important to understand that ADHD is not simply a lack of attention or hyperactivity, but rather a unique way that the brain processes information. It can be understood as the brain being wired a bit differently than the brains of most people.
People with ADHD may experience challenges in sustaining attention, managing impulses, and organising tasks. However, it's crucial to recognise that ADHD also brings strengths, such as creativity, resilience, and a unique perspective on the world.
West Cork Psychology is passionate about recognising ADHD in a neuroaffirmative manner, and our ADHD assessments are based on an understanding that ADHD is a difference, not a disorder.
What might be signs that someone has ADHD?
The following are some of the indicators that a person might have ADHD. A full clinical evaluation is necessary to make a diagnosis of ADHD, even if you’re sure it describes you or someone you know. There are many factors involved in a comprehensive ADHD assessment beyond a list of symptoms.
Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes
Has difficulty sustaining attention
Does not appear to listen
Struggles to follow through with instructions
Has difficulty with organization
Avoids or dislikes tasks requiring sustained mental effort
Loses things
Is easily distracted
Is forgetful in daily activities
Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in chair
Has difficulty remaining seated
Runs about or climbs excessively in children; extreme restlessness in adults
Difficulty engaging in activities quietly
Acts as if driven by a motor; adults will often feel inside as if they are driven by a motor
Talks excessively
Blurts out answers before questions have been completed
Difficulty waiting or taking turns
Interrupts or intrudes upon others
What is involved in an ADHD Assessment?
Assessing ADHD involves a thorough evaluation by a qualified professional, encompassing clinical interviews, standardised symptom assessments, collaboration with educators or important people in the person’s life, review of developmental and family history, psychological testing, and a comparison of findings to diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5. The assessor aims to differentiate ADHD from similar conditions, involving various professionals, and provides feedback, recommendations, and tailored interventions post-assessment. This process ensures an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment approach based on the individual's specific needs.
Diagnosing any form of neurodivergence can be a complex process. If my diagnostic conclusions differ from your anticipated outcomes, I am always willing to discuss this fully with you and to include your perspectives in my report. My main goal is to give you or your child a thorough and relevant assessment, leading to clear outcomes and helpful recommendations. My diagnostic decisions come from current guidelines, criteria, and my professional knowledge and experience. I take this seriously and only make a diagnosis when I have sufficient evidence to support it.
For Children:
This assessment includes a cognitive assessment for the child, a semi-structured interview with parents, information gathered from school and questionnaires for parents and teachers to complete.
Prior to our first session, I will request your consent to contact the child's school and for you to complete a general consent form for the assessment to take place. I will send the school two detailed questionnaires for their completion. I will also send you two detailed questionnaires. You should expect that these will take approximately 30 minutes to complete.
The first session takes place in-person, typically lasting approximately 3 hours. This includes approximately 90 minutes spent with the young person, completing the cognitive assessment and talking to the young person about their experience of the world and any difficulties they may face. Another 90 minutes, approximately, are spent with the parent, discussing the child's challenges and completing a semi-structured interview designed to gather a full representation of the child's potential difficulties.
Following this session, I will commence writing my report. In some situations, I may need to contact you to clarify certain details. I aim to have my reports ready within 2-3 weeks. These reports are very detailed and include an outline of the diagnostic decisions and rationale for same, your child's relative strengths and areas of need, a 'formulation' or narrative reflection on your child's presentation, and recommendations and strategies to help, regardless of the outcome.
Our second session is a feedback session. This can take place in person or online. It generally takes 30 to 60 minutes, and I will talk you through my diagnostic conclusions and the report in its entirety. You will have an opportunity to discuss any questions you might have.
Cost: €1000. This is payable in two installments. A deposit of €500 is due when the appointment is booked in order to secure the appointment. The balance payment is due when the report is completed.
For Adults:
An adult ADHD assessment provided by West Cork Psychology starts with the adult completing screening questionnaires and follows the HSE Model of Care for Adults with ADHD.
After this, should an assessment be indicated, you will be sent a questionnaire to fill out in your own time regarding your background and developmental history. We will then meet (in person or virtually) and I will gather any extra information that I need about your background, before we collaboratively complete a standardised semi-structured diagnostic interview. We may spend approximately two hours together at this stage.
If we need more time, that is available and we can schedule a follow-up session another day if you are struggling to keep focused.
Our final session will be for feedback regarding the outcome of the assessment. This session allows you to ask any questions that you may have. The assessment takes place in person or online. Reports include diagnostic conclusions, recommendations and strategies to help.
Cost: €900
Please note: No medication can be prescribed by West Cork Psychology, should a diagnosis of ADHD be given.
However, for adult assessments only, we are pleased to say that we have established a relationship with a Consultant Psychiatrist with an expertise in ADHD. Should you receive a diagnosis of ADHD, we can refer you directly for a consultation regarding medication, if that is something you wish to avail of. No re-assessment is necessary as our reports are totally sufficient.
For child assessments, parents are encouraged to discuss the findings with the child’s GP, a Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist or to seek a referral to Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services if medication is desired. No referral pathway is currently available.