What is ADHD?
ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder. Our Victorian Department of Health has a good explainer webpage here, outlining the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options. Rob can assist with the assessment, explained below:
What is involved in an ADHD Assessment?
1. Referral
While a GP referral is helpful, you do not need a referral for an ADHD assessment at Hester Psychology. An ADHD diagnosis requires comprehensive clinical interview and assessment, and we will request your permission to ask for background medical information (possibly from your GP) during your session.
2. Contact Us
Contact us directly for a detailed explanation of the ADHD assessment process, fee, time frames, and booking procedure.
3. Clinical Interview
At Hester Psychology, we follow the Australian Evidence Based Clinical Practice Guideline for ADHD.
The approach we take for assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and support occurs within a multidisciplinary framework.
Following best practice guidelines, all of our ADHD assessments start with a clinical interview. In this session, Rob will explore your concerns, abilities, strengths, difficulties, challenges, developmental, medical and psychosocial history. This will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
4. ADHD Assessment
Next is the ADHD assessment process which involves questionnaires, and cognitive testing. The number and type of tests required will be specific to your individual concerns and needs, and will be informed by the initial clinical interview. Rob may also conduct interviews with family and friends that you nominate. ADHD assessment and interviews will take between 2 and 2.5 hours altogether. Where possible, school reports from childhood will also be requested.
5. Formulation and Report
Following ADHD assessment and interviews, Rob will review your assessments and sessions and formulate a written report, with recommendations and a feedback session
6. Feedback Session
A feedback session will be scheduled around 2 to 3 weeks after you complete your assessment. The feedback session will be up to 1 hour, where Rob will provide you with a comprehensive written report and verbal explanation of the assessment results and recommendations regarding treatment and intervention. The aim of the feedback session is to provide you with clarity regarding a diagnosis and the opportunity to ask questions.
Your report will include practical, easy-to-adopt strategies for you to use, to make immediate improvements in the quality of your life.