Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) assessments focus on determining if an ADHD diagnosis applies and identifying other explanations or contributors for symptoms. My approach to these assessments involves 'casting a wide net' to collect data about you. Collecting a lot of data helps to reduce my subjectivity and to point us toward the most accurate conclusion. Rates of misdiagnosed ADHD are relatively high, in part because there are alternative explanations for symptoms that resemble ADHD, and because ADHD can be inaccurately dismissed based on these other factors. For that reason, these assessments need to be comprehensive.

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In terms of collecting data about you, this assessment includes multiple sources; unstructured and semi-structured interviewing, questionnaires and review of other relevant documents, assessment of baseline cognitive abilities and higher-level cognitive abilities (executive functions), observer reports, and behavioural observations by trained and experienced assessors.  

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This assessment includes verbal feedback about cognitive and executive functioning strengths and weaknesses, as well as symptom-specific recommendations for treatment/management and for workplace/school accommodations. A detailed report is provided and can be given to other professionals to obtain prescriptions or therapy.

It is important to note that in many cases it is necessary to add a detailed assessment of psychological/emotional functioning or additional assessment of symptoms potentially stemming from ADHD. This would require up to 2.5 hours of additional service. If this addition is not required, the assessment will still include screening of psychological/emotional functioning.

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The ADHD assessment process is completed in 6 steps. The length of time needed depends on the pace of completing questionnaires and gathering available documents, the addition of detailed psychological assessment, and when appointments are scheduled. The process could be completed in as little as 8 weeks, but sometimes up to 12 weeks is needed. A comprehensive ADHD assessment requires 10.5 to 14 hours of service.

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Step 1: 1-hour intake interview

This step can be completed online or in person. This interview is focused on planning the assessment and getting started with learning about your life, history, and current symptoms.

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Step 2: questionnaires and forms

You’ll be asked to complete multiple questionnaires and to have one or two people familiar with you complete questionnaires about you. Links to questionnaires are sent via e-mail and can be completed from home.

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Step 3: 4 hours of cognitive testing

Testing has to be completed in person at my office. This includes hands-on tasks that appear somewhat like games, puzzles, and quizzes, but are carefully researched and designed to assess your cognitive functioning. This part of the assessment is procedural and follows strict standards. Consequently, psychometrists are the best professionals for completing this part of the assessment.

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Step 4: 1 to 3 hours of clinical interviewing

Interviewing can be completed online or in person. This will include unstructured and semi-structured interviews focused on detailing your symptoms and experiences. This process is designed to help you with identifying relevant experiences so that you don’t feel pressured to come up with everything on your own.

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Step 5: 3.5 to 5 hours scoring/interpretation/report writing

No attendance is required for this step. The questionnaires and testing will be scored, interpreted, and organized into a report format. If there are any gaps in the data, you’ll be contacted to help with filling it in.

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Step 6: 1-hour feedback session (virtual)

​Verbal feedback can be completed online or in person. The final step involves verbal feedback about the results of your assessment and recommendations for addressing symptoms and impairments. A report is provided within 2 weeks or less.

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​Please feel free to contact me by e-mail or telephone with any questions. I'm always happy to consult free of charge and with no commitment required in order to help determine your needs and if the services I offer will be helpful for you.