NEW DISCOVERY PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES
adhd treatment centre
IN-PERSON OR VIA ZOOM
​A comprehensive ADHD assessment plays a vital role for several reasons
​A comprehensive ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) assessment plays a vital role for several reasons:
Accurate diagnosis: ADHD, a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, requires meticulous evaluation. Its symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, can overlap with other conditions. A thorough assessment helps establish a precise diagnosis by differentiating ADHD from other factors.
​
Excluding other influences: Several factors can imitate ADHD symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, and medical conditions. A comprehensive assessment helps recognise these potential underlying factors, ruling them out before confirming an ADHD diagnosis.
​
Personalised treatment planning: By providing valuable insights into an individual's strengths, weaknesses, and specific ADHD symptoms, a complete assessment enables healthcare professionals to create a customised treatment plan that caters to their unique needs. Treatment options may range from medication and behavioural therapy to educational interventions and lifestyle adjustments.
​
Understanding co-existing conditions: ADHD often coexists with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, or substance use disorders. Identifying these concurrent conditions through a comprehensive assessment allows healthcare providers to address all relevant issues simultaneously, resulting in more effective treatment outcomes.
​
Educational support: For children and adolescents with ADHD, a thorough assessment can determine their eligibility for special educational services and support. This may include individualised education plans that offer academic assistance, behavioural interventions, and classroom modifications to optimise learning.
​
Long-term planning: ADHD is a lifelong condition with significant implications throughout a person's life. A comprehensive assessment helps individuals and their families grasp the challenges associated with ADHD and develop effective strategies to manage symptoms. It also facilitates long-term planning, preparing individuals for transitions in education, work, and relationships.
​
In essence, a comprehensive ADHD assessment is essential for accurate diagnosis, ruling out other influences, tailoring treatment plans, addressing co-existing conditions, obtaining educational support, and planning for long-term management.
​
ADHD ASSESSMENT
6 - 18 YEARS
Untreated ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) can have a significant impact on a child, causing a range of negative effects. Let's explore how it may affect them:
​
Academic roadblocks: Children with untreated ADHD often struggle with concentration, organization, and impulse control, which can greatly hinder their academic performance. Completing tasks, staying focused, following instructions, and managing time effectively become challenging.
​
Social hurdles: ADHD can influence a child's social interactions. They may find it difficult to control their impulses, interrupt others, or wait their turn, which can strain relationships with peers. Making and maintaining friendships may become more challenging due to impulsive behavior and difficulty understanding social cues.
​
Emotional and behavioral concerns: Untreated ADHD can contribute to emotional and behavioral issues. Children may experience frustration, low self-esteem, and feelings of underachievement due to concentration and impulsivity struggles. Impulsive or hyperactive behavior, such as acting out or taking risks, may also be observed.
​
Self-regulation difficulties: Managing emotions, controlling impulses, and maintaining focus can be tough for children with untreated ADHD. This can lead to difficulties in various aspects of life, such as managing frustration, behaving appropriately in different settings, and setting and achieving goals.
​
Increased accident risk: Impulsivity and inattentiveness pose a greater risk of accidents and injuries for children with untreated ADHD. Engaging in reckless behavior, struggling to follow safety rules, or overlooking potential dangers in their environment becomes more likely.
​
Long-term consequences: If left untreated, ADHD can persist into adolescence and adulthood, resulting in further challenges in education, employment, and relationships. Maintaining organization, time management, and stable employment may become more difficult.
There may also be higher rates of substance abuse, mood disorders, and impulse control issues.
​
It's important to note that each child with ADHD is unique, and the severity and specific challenges may vary. However, seeking appropriate diagnosis, treatment, and support can significantly help children with ADHD manage their symptoms and enhance their quality of life. If you suspect your child may have ADHD, take proactive steps to address it sooner rather than later.
ADHD/ PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Interviews: The Psychologist engages in a structured or semi-structured conversation with the individual to gather information about their personal history, current concerns, symptoms, and relevant background. This helps to grasp the individual's unique circumstances and provides context for the assessment.
​
Standardised Tests: Psychologists employ a wide range of standardised tests and measures to evaluate different aspects of an individual's psychological functioning. These tests assess cognitive abilities, personality traits, emotional well-being, behavioural patterns, aptitudes, interests, and other relevant factors. Common tests include intelligence assessments, personality inventories, projective tests, neuropsychological evaluations, and self-report questionnaires.
​
Behavioural Observations: Additionally, The Psychologist may observe the individual's behaviour in different settings to gather supplementary information. This can involve observing their interactions with others, social skills, attention and concentration levels, and other behavioural patterns.
​
Collateral Information: In certain cases, The Psychologist may seek information from other sources, such as family members, teachers, or healthcare providers, to gain a broader understanding of the individual's functioning and behaviour. This additional information helps provide a more comprehensive picture of the individual's psychological profile.
​
Data Analysis and Interpretation: Following the completion of the assessment, The Psychologist analyses and interprets the collected data. This involves comparing the individual's test results to established norms and considering the context of their unique circumstances. The Psychologist then integrates the findings to formulate hypotheses and make recommendations based on the assessment results.
Assessments for learning disabilities typically involve a comprehensive evaluation. Let's take a closer look at the assessment process:
Referral: The assessment usually starts with a referral from a concerned teacher, parent, or individual who suspects a child may have a learning disability.
​
Gathering information: The psychologist conducting the assessment gather information from various sources to get a thorough understanding of the child's learning difficulties. This may involve reviewing the child's academic records, conducting interviews with parents and teachers, and using standardized questionnaires or rating scales to assess the child's behavior and functioning.
​
Individual testing: The child will undergo individual testing to assess their cognitive abilities, academic skills, and specific areas of concern. This testing may include measures of intelligence, academic achievement, attention and executive functioning, memory, language skills, and social-emotional functioning. The specific tests will depend on the suspected learning disability and the child's age.
​
Collaboration: Collaboration with teachers and relevant professionals is vital in assessing. Input from teachers regarding the child's academic performance and classroom behaviour can provide valuable insights.
​
Diagnosis and recommendations: Based on the assessment results, the professionals will determine whether the child meets the criteria for a specific learning disability, such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, or specific language impairment. They will provide a formal diagnosis if necessary and recommend appropriate interventions and accommodations to address the child's learning needs.
​
Follow-up and monitoring: After the assessment, the professionals typically provide a detailed report summarising the findings and recommendations. They may work together with the child's school to develop an Individualized Education Program to ensure suitable support and accommodations are provided.
ADHD ASSESSMENT
18+ YEARS
Untreated ADHD in adults can greatly impact various aspects of their lives. Here are some potential effects:
​
Work and academic difficulties: Adults with untreated ADHD often struggle to maintain focus, organize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage time effectively. These challenges can lead to lower work or academic performance, missed opportunities, and hindered career advancement or further education.
​
Relationship strains: Untreated ADHD can contribute to difficulties in relationships. Impulsivity, forgetfulness, and poor listening skills can strain relationships with partners, family members, and friends. Managing emotions becomes more challenging, resulting in increased conflict and misunderstandings.
​
Financial hardships: Adults with untreated ADHD may face challenges in financial management and planning. Impulsivity and poor impulse control can lead to impulsive spending, financial irresponsibility, and accumulating debt. Difficulty with organization and attention to detail makes it challenging to manage bills, taxes, and other obligations effectively.
Emotional and mental health impact: Untreated ADHD is associated with an increased risk of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Chronic frustration and underachievement can take a toll on emotional well-being. Restlessness, impulsivity, and difficulty regulating emotions are also commonly experienced.
​
Substance abuse vulnerability: Adults with untreated ADHD may be at a higher risk for substance abuse and addiction. Some individuals may turn to substances as a way to cope with the challenges of ADHD or self-medicate their symptoms. The impulsivity and thrill-seeking behavior associated with untreated ADHD further increase vulnerability to substance abuse.
​
Chronic stress and fatigue: The constant struggle to stay organized, manage tasks, and maintain focus can lead to chronic stress and fatigue. Feeling overwhelmed and exhausted contributes to a decreased quality of life and overall well-being.
It's important to note that the severity and manifestation of these effects can vary from person to person. Seeking proper diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the lives of adults with ADHD.
Interviews: The Psychologist engages in a structured or semi-structured conversation with the individual to gather information about their personal history, current concerns, symptoms, and relevant background. This helps to grasp the individual's unique circumstances and provides context for the assessment.
​
Standardised Tests: Psychologists employ a wide range of standardised tests and measures to evaluate different aspects of an individual's psychological functioning. These tests assess cognitive abilities, personality traits, emotional well-being, behavioural patterns, aptitudes, interests, and other relevant factors. Common tests include intelligence assessments, personality inventories, projective tests, neuropsychological evaluations, and self-report questionnaires.
​
Collateral Information: In certain cases, The Psychologist may seek information from other sources, such as family members, or healthcare providers, to gain a broader understanding of the individual's functioning and behaviour. This additional information helps provide a more comprehensive picture of the individual's psychological profile.
​
Data Analysis and Interpretation: Following the completion of the assessment, The Psychologist analyses and interprets the collected data. This involves comparing the individual's test results to established norms and considering the context of their unique circumstances. The Psychologist then integrates the findings to formulate hypotheses and make recommendations based on the assessment results.
Assessments for learning disabilities typically involve a comprehensive evaluation. Let's take a closer look at the assessment process:
Referral: The assessment usually starts with a self-referral from a concerned parent or individual who suspects a student may have a learning disability.
​
Gathering information: The psychologist conducting the assessment gathers information from various sources to get a thorough understanding of the student's learning difficulties. This may involve reviewing the student's academic records and using standardised questionnaires or rating scales to assess the student's behaviour and functioning.
​
Individual testing: the student will undergo individual testing to assess their cognitive abilities, academic skills, and specific areas of concern. This testing may include measures of intelligence, academic achievement, attention and executive functioning, memory, language skills, and social-emotional functioning.​
​
Diagnosis and recommendations: Based on the assessment results, the professionals will determine whether the student meets the criteria for a specific learning disability, such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, or specific language impairment. They will provide a formal diagnosis if necessary and offer recommendations for appropriate interventions and accommodations to address the student's learning needs.
TREATMENT
MEDICATION
Discuss medication options with your family physician. Stimulant medications and atomoxetine are our most effective treatments for ADHD, backed by extensive evidence. They improve 70-90% of clinical cases, normalising 50-60%. Convenient to administer, they require less effort than non-medical treatments, especially with once-daily delivery systems. Additionally, they are cost-effective and can be used for years, even into adulthood.
Exciting research reveals micronutrients enhance overall function, reduce impairment, and improve attention, emotional regulation, and aggression in children with ADHD. Although the direct benefit for core ADHD symptoms is modest, micronutrients show promising results across multiple areas of functioning, making them a favourable option, especially for children dealing with ADHD and emotional dysregulation.
Cogmed Working Memory Training® offers a computer-based solution for attention difficulties caused by poor working memory. Combining cognitive neuroscience with innovative computer game design and professional support, it delivers substantial and lasting benefits. Our easy-to-use software and personal support ensure a comprehensive training solution for any setting.
Executive function skills are crucial for planning, focusing attention, remembering instructions, and managing multiple tasks. As many as 90% of kids with ADHD face challenges in executive function that hinder goal-directed behaviour. Here’s how to identify Executive Functioning Disorder and gain control over it.
