ADHD is a common condition and it is estimated that it occurs in one in 20 children in Australia. The key characteristics of ADHD are difficulty with focus, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Children with ADHD have trouble with the management system of their brains which is referred to as executive function. This means they often struggle with being organised, managing time, paying attention, retaining information, shifting between activities, completing tasks and emotional regulation.
Butterfly Psychology for Kids can undertake a comprehensive assessment to investigate if a child is presenting with ADHD symptoms. The assessment process can include the following:
-
Behaviour assessment: completion of parent and teacher checklists to investigate if your child is exhibiting ADHD symptoms in the home and school environment
-
Cognitive assessment: intellectual (IQ) assessment of strengths and weaknesses with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition (WISC-V)
-
Educational assessment: functional academic assessment to screen for learning issues and examine skills including reading, writing, mathematics and spelling
-
Background information: analysis of relevant information including developmental history, school factors and agency involvement
-
Psychological report: comprehensive written report containing results interpretation and recommendations for support and intervention
-
Parent consultation: meeting with the psychologist to discuss the results of the assessment and professional recommendations
Undertaking a psychological assessment can help better understand how attentional disorders are impacting your child. It can also identify if any learning difficulties or learning disorders are present. The strategies contained in the psychological report will help guide intervention and will detail accommodations required to support your child both at school and at home. The final diagnosis of ADHD is conducted by a developmental paediatrician. As part of the assessment process, Butterfly Psychology for Kids can liaise with the paediatrician to discuss their assessment findings and professional recommendations.
Click here to learn more about ADHD.