ADHD assessment Perth

Child and Adolescent ADHD Assessment

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is frequently observed during early years and adolescence, and it can continue to affect individuals well into adulthood. If you suspect that your child has ADHD, we recommend undertaking an ADHD assessment.
Clinical Psychologist Perth - Melissa J Ree
ADHD assessment PerthClinical psychologists in West Perth & Como

ADHD Perth

What is ADHD?

Please also see our recent blog. 

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterised by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Children with ADHD may have difficulty paying attention, following instructions, staying organised, and completing tasks. They may also display a high degree of physical restlessness, fidgeting, or an inability to stay seated. Additionally, impulsive behaviours like interrupting others or acting without considering the consequences are common.

ADHD can significantly impact a child's academic performance, social interactions, and overall functioning. If parents are concerned that their child may have ADHD, it’s a good idea to seek a professional evaluation. Early identification and appropriate management strategies can greatly improve a child's quality of life and long-term outcomes.

ADHD psychologist Perth

What is the role of a clinical psychologist in ADHD?

Clinical psychologists are registered health professionals who are trained in diagnosing, assessing, and providing evidence-based treatments for a range of presentations, many of whom have an interest and training in working with individuals with ADHD. Here are some key roles a clinical psychologist might play:

Assessment and diagnosis:
Clinical psychologists conduct comprehensive evaluations to determine if a child has ADHD. They use various assessment tools, interviews, and observations to gather information about the child's symptoms, behaviours, and functioning in different settings. Accurate diagnosis is essential for appropriate treatment planning.

Treatment planning:
Clinical psychologists collaborate with parents, teachers, and other professionals involved in the child's care to develop an individualised treatment plan. This plan may include behavioural interventions, educational strategies, and referral for medication, depending on the severity and specific needs of the child.

Education:
Clinical psychologists provide valuable information and education to parents, helping them understand ADHD and its impact on their child. They offer guidance on effective parenting strategies, behaviour management techniques, and how to create supportive environments for the child.

Intervention & support:
Psychologists employ evidence-based interventions, such as parent training, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), and social skills training, to help children with ADHD develop skills to manage their symptoms, improve their sleep, attention and impulse control, and enhance their overall functioning.

Communication with other professionals:
Psychologists work with other healthcare professionals, such as paediatricians, psychiatrists, and teachers, to advocate for an optimal approach to managing ADHD.

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ADHD assessment Perth

J&R Psychology ADHD service: coming soon, currently taking enquiries

What does the J&R psychology child ADHD service offer?

There is currently very high demand for ADHD assessment and support across WA, with families often waiting many months for help. Our service is designed to provide an assessment of ADHD and initial support in navigating this diagnosis. We’re aiming to have families feeling informed about ADHD and the management path they wish to take, as well as being more confident in their day-to-day approach to challenges they are facing.
We assess for ADHD using clinical interviews and validated assessment measures. We also assess for other psychological presentations (e.g., anxiety, mood, and sleep disorders). We do not provide formal assessments for cognitive impairments such as specific learning difficulties. The assessment comprises three 50-minute appointments and the advice component comprises 1-3, 50-minute appointments, depending on the needs of the family.

Contact our friendly staff today.
Please also see our recent blog that describes ADHD and the role of psychology.

ADHD assessment Perth child

What’s involved in the ADHD assessment part of your service?

The assessment and feedback occurs across three sessions that involve:
 
- Review of developmental, mental health and medical history
- Review of school reports and teacher feedback 
- Administration and scoring of validated questionnaires assessing sleep and anxiety
- Administration and scoring of validated assessments of symptoms of ADHD and executive function (BRIEF 2 and Conners 4)
- Assessment interview involving parents/carers
- Assessment interview involving the child
- Parent feedback session and goal setting for our brief intervention sessions
- Psychoeducation about ADHD 
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Child ADHD assessment Perth

What do you offer in the support and advice part of your service?

The brief support and intervention service is a maximum of three sessions. Our aim is to get you started with evidence-based information, advice and strategies based on the particular needs of your child and family. The focus of these sessions will be determined by discussion with your clinician at the parent feedback session. Advice can be offered on areas such as sleep, regulating emotions, management of ADHD symptoms at home or school, or co-occurring difficulties such as anxiety and behavioural concerns.

The advice service is not intended to be a comprehensive ADHD treatment over the long term. The advice is designed to support families in understanding ADHD and developing more effective strategies for supporting your child while you might be waiting to access medical specialist support or ongoing support from other providers. Referral options and additional resource suggestions (including self-help) will be covered during these sessions.

Perth adhd

Support options for ADHD

As part of our service we will discuss future support needs with each family. These may include:

  • Accessing a range self-help resources to help you stay on track
  • Accessing community support services
  • Referral to a medical specialist for medication review
  • Referral for cognitive assessment
  • Referral to J&R Psychology general therapy service: in this case families will be placed on the waitlist at J&R Psycholgy for further, targeted, therapy and support. This option would usually be in the case of a psychological condition that sits alongside ADHD (e.g., anxiety, low mood, sleep disturbance, behavioural concerns).

Contact J&R Clinical Psychologists

Fax08 6113 7430
Healthlink IDjrpsychs
West Perth practice

21 Ord Street,
West Perth WA 6005

Sleep Matters Subiaco
Como practice

400 Canning Hwy
Como 6152 WA
(enter off Greenock Ave)

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