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ATTENTION DEFICIT / HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD) ASSESSMENT
WHAT IS ADHD?
Understanding ADHD in Children and Youth
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that begins in childhood and can continue through adolescence and adulthood. It involves persistent difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity. Each child’s experience is different: some primarily struggle with attention and organization, while others also experience restlessness or difficulty managing impulses.
ADHD at School
Children and youth with ADHD may have difficulty following instructions, keeping track of belongings, organizing their work, and completing assignments. They may overlook details, interrupt conversations, or struggle to wait their turn. Some appear active, talkative, or fidgety, while others are quieter and may seem distracted or lost in thought.
ADHD at Home
Routines such as getting ready, starting homework, or following multi-step instructions may require frequent reminders and support. Moving away from an enjoyable activity can also be challenging. These difficulties may be misunderstood as a lack of effort or cooperation.
Why Attention Can Vary
Children and youth with ADHD may focus intensely on activities they find interesting or stimulating, such as a favourite hobby or video game, yet struggle to begin or sustain attention during less engaging tasks. This variation in attention does not mean they are simply choosing when to concentrate. Tasks that require sustained mental effort can feel particularly demanding, leading to frustration or difficulty persisting.
ADHD During Adolescence
During adolescence, increasing expectations for independence can make challenges with planning, time management, and meeting deadlines more noticeable. These difficulties may affect academic progress, friendships, family relationships, and self-confidence.
How an Assessment Can Help
An ADHD assessment can help clarify these concerns, consider other possible explanations, and identify practical recommendations tailored to your child’s strengths and support needs at home and school.
HOW IS ADHD ASSESSED?
At Cognostic, we provide diagnostic services for ADHD. These services provided by our psychologists are based on an hourly rate. Assessment hours vary from person to person because some individuals may work slower for academic testing whereas other clients may require less time to complete testing. Fees for an ADHD assessment include direct and indirect services. Direct services are typically scheduled in-person or virtual appointments. Indirect services include scoring time, results interpretation and report writing. The time required for a typical assessment varies between 13 hours to 16 hours. On occasion, a child or an individual may require additional hours of testing.
ASSESSMENT OUTCOME
At the end of the assessment, the client’s parents or the adult client will be provided a feedback session and a final report. Developmental history, areas of concern, testing results and recommendations are included in the report. Depending on the results and the school district criteria / their work place, clients may be able to receive some accommodations if they meet criteria of ADHD.
ESTIMATED ASSESSMENT TIME
The assessment typically requires approximately 16 hours, including appointments, scoring, record review, and report preparation. The time required may vary depending on your child’s age, individual needs, abilities, and pace during testing.
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Parent interview: 1.5–2 hours
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Cognitive ability testing: 2 hours
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Academic skills testing: 2–3 hours
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ADHD-specific testing: 1 hour
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Test scoring, record review, and report preparation: 9–10 hours
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Parent feedback session: 1 hour
The feedback session includes a discussion of the findings, recommendations, and any questions you may have. Actual assessment time may vary depending on your child’s needs.