What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms often interfere with daily functioning and development.
Individuals with ADHD may struggle to maintain focus, follow complex instructions, manage emotions, stay organized, and sustain relationships. These challenges can impact various aspects of life, including academic performance, work responsibilities, and social interactions.
ADHD symptoms typically emerge in childhood and can continue into adulthood. The condition is categorised into three presentations: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined. Each presentation reflects the dominant symptoms experienced by the individual. ADHD can affect children, adolescents, or adults. ADHD can affect children, adolescents, or adults. At FinLa, we offer comprehensive assessments for children (aged 5 years or older), adolescents, and adults.
What do I need to do before the assessment?
The first step is to schedule the appointment. Once the appointment has been confirmed, you will receive documentation from the FINLA team. This documentation will ask you to consent to the assessment, explain the limits of confidentiality, and request any documents that may be helpful for the assessment.
Helpful documents include school records/report cards, medical records, and prior psychological assessment reports.
There are several parts to the assessment:
- Clinical interview – this part of the assessment involves having an in-depth conversation about your child’s life history. We will discuss your child’s development, school performance, and current functioning. In addition, the interview will include an assessment of symptoms of ADHD as well as a range of other issues. Although the primary focus of the assessment might be ADHD, other disorders are considered to obtain the most complete picture of your child’s current functioning. The clinical interview takes 2-3 hours.
- Psychological testing – this part of the assessment involves completing questionnaires that ask about symptoms of ADHD and other areas of your life. These questionnaires can be completed online.
- Cognitive testing – this part of the assessment must be conducted in-person and typically takes about 2-3 hours.
- School observation – this part of the assessment is done on a case-by-case basis and involves observing your child in the classroom environment. “Contact may also be made with
your child’s school/teacher to get additional information about classroom behaviour and academic performance.
What do I get from the assessment?
- Upon completion of the assessment, you will receive a copy of a typed report. This report is confidential and will only be shared with you. It is your decision if you want to share the report with others. The report will include background information, ADHD symptoms, current functioning, the results of psychological testing, psychological diagnoses (where they are determined to be present), and recommendations. It is important to note that recommendations are made regardless of the presence of a disorder.
- A feedback session is included in the assessment. Once you get the report, you will have a few days to read it. It is a good idea to write down any questions you might have after you have read the report. Your FINLA clinician will schedule a meeting and go through the report with you. You will have a chance to ask any questions at that time. These sessions take approximately 30 minutes. You will also receive a diagnostic letter. This brief letter will provide the diagnosis and will include some recommendations, if appropriate. This is the document that is typically shared with the school/employer.
- Our ADHD assessments utilise an evidence-based approach incorporating the most up-to-date assessment tools. Our assessments are recognised by the Board of Education, Department of Social Welfare, and the HSE.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Please contact office@finlapsych.com or call 089 602 4857 to schedule an appointment.
What if I’m not sure if I should book an ADHD assessment?
At FINLA we also offer consultation session. This is a 1-hour clinical interview, and, based on that interview, a recommendation will be made for general support strategies and a complete assessment, where appropriate.
What if I have more questions?
Please contact office@finlapsych.com or call 089 602 4857 if you have additional questions or would like to enquire about a different assessment and/or therapy services.
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