Understanding ADHD Pathways

Understanding

10 June

ADHD assessment sits at the intersection of psychology, paediatrics, and adult psychiatry. At Newport Counselling & Psychology Service (NCPS), we work alongside GPs, paediatricians, and psychiatrists to provide thorough psychological assessments that can confirm or rule out ADHD, identify co-occurring conditions, and inform whether a medical review for medication is appropriate.

Around 1 in 20 Australians live with ADHD, making it one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions
ADHD is often missed in girls, adults, and people who present with predominantly inattentive symptoms, which can frequently lead to years of anxiety, depression, or self-doubt before identification.
A psychological assessment provides a comprehensive picture beyond symptom checklists, including learning profile, executive function, mood, and developmental trajectory.

Our role in ADHD: NCPS provides psychological assessment, diagnosis aligned with DSM-5-TR, and ongoing therapy. We do not prescribe medication. We work in close collaboration with paediatricians and psychiatrists who can review for medication when indicated, and we are happy to support that process with monitoring tools and feedback.

Why a Thorough Assessment Matters

ADHD rarely exists in isolation. Many presentations overlap with, or are complicated by, other conditions that can appear similar on the surface. A thorough assessment helps differentiate ADHD from, or identify alongside, the following conditions:

Anxiety disorders, particularly generalised anxiety and social anxiety, which can mimic inattention and restlessness.
Specific learning disorders in reading, writing, or mathematics, which can lead to disengagement, task avoidance, and reduced confidence.
Autism spectrum presentations, where differences in social communication and sensory processing may overlap with attentional and executive functioning concerns.
Trauma and attachment-related presentations, where hypervigilance, dissociation, or emotional dysregulation can mimic attentional concerns.
Sleep disorders, which can significantly impact concentration, mood regulation, and cognitive performance across all ages.

Without careful differential consideration, interventions may be less effective or fail to address the underlying drivers of impairment.

Our Assessment Approach

ADHD assessment at NCPS is structured, but individualised depending on age, referral question, and complexity. A typical assessment may include:

A comprehensive clinical interview with the client and, where relevant, parents or carers. This covers developmental history, school history, daily functioning, mental health, and family context.
Standardised rating scales completed by the client, parents, and (with consent) teachers or partners. We commonly use Conners (adult and child), DIVA (adult and child), ASRS, and the Vanderbilt Scales.
Cognitive screening or full cognitive assessment (WISC-V, WAIS-IV) when learning, language, or processing speed concerns are present.
Differential screening for anxiety, depression, autism, trauma, and sleep difficulties.
A feedback session where we walk through findings with the client and family, followed by a comprehensive written report.

Adults, Adolescents, and Children

Children (6–12)

Parent and school input is central to understanding attentional and behavioural patterns across environments. Early developmental indicators and the child’s self-experience are carefully reviewed.

Adolescents (13–18)

The young person’s perspective becomes increasingly important, balanced with parent and teacher input. Focus is placed on academic demands, executive functioning, emotional regulation, and emerging identity.

Adults

Assessment includes retrospective developmental history, school reports where available, collateral information, and detailed self-report. Many adults present after a child or partner has been diagnosed, helping them understand patterns in their own lives.

Practical Information

Typical pathway: 2 to 4 appointments across 4 to 8 weeks from intake to feedback, depending on complexity and whether full cognitive assessment is required.

Fees: Available on request. Mental Health Care Plan rebates apply to therapy and some assessment components.

NDIS: We accept participants under self-managed and plan-managed funding.

Co-located care: NCPS works collaboratively with paediatricians, GPs, and psychiatrists across Melbourne and surrounding regions to support coordinated care pathways where medication or medical review is being considered.

When and How to Refer

When to Refer

Persistent concerns about inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, or executive functioning across settings.
Functional impairment in school, work, or daily life.
Unclear diagnostic picture where anxiety, learning difficulties, or autism may also be present.
Previous interventions have not fully explained or resolved difficulties.
Diagnostic clarification is needed to guide intervention planning.

Helpful Information to Include in Referral:

Presenting concerns and specific referral questions (diagnostic clarification, differential diagnosis, learning profile, etc.)
Relevant developmental, educational, medical, and family history
Previous assessments, rating scales, or school reports where available
Current and past mental health presentations or interventions
Any relevant medication history or prior ADHD medication trials
Whether a specific pathway is preferred (psychology assessment first, then paediatrician review, etc.).

If you are unsure whether assessment is the right next step, or whether a period of psychological intervention may be more appropriate first, please contact us to discuss. We are happy to talk it through without a formal referral in place.