Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Assessments

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition, where ‘neuro’ signifies its impact on brain function, and ‘developmental’ indicates its presence from early childhood. This disorder is characterized by strengths and challenges, affecting around 10% of children and young individuals and significantly influencing their daily lives.

Individuals with ADHD often struggle with maintaining focus and concentration, exhibit hyperactive and restless behaviours, and have impulse control issues, such as speaking out of turn or interrupting. These challenges can impact their learning experiences in the classroom and influence their social interactions and relationships.

ADHD primarily impacts executive functioning skills. It can notably affect their ability to regulate their behaviours and emotions in younger children and young individuals.

There are 3 types of ADHD
Combined Presentation

Where a person presents with a mix of symptoms including hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity.

Predominantly Inattentive Presentation

Where a person presents with difficulties focusing, maintaining attention, and organisation.

Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation

Where a person presents with several features of impulsivity and hyperactivity.

Inattentive symptoms may include:
  • rushing schoolwork (just to get it done)
  • making careless mistakes
  • difficulty remaining focused
  • avoiding tasks that are multistep or complex
  • leaving things until the last minute (procrastination)
  • poor organisational skills
  • being easily distracted
  • losing or forgetting things
  • daydreaming
Hyperactive-impulsive symptoms may include:
  • constantly talking
  • fidgeting and squirming
  • not remaining seated as expected
  • interrupting or difficulty waiting their turn
  • impulsively calling out or answering questions before instructions are finished
  • constantly moving

Autism Disorder Assessment

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a range of symptoms and levels of disability that can significantly vary from one individual to another, hence the term “spectrum.”

Key characteristics of autism include: 

  1. Social Communication and Interaction Difficulties: Individuals with autism often face challenges understanding and engaging in social interactions. They might have difficulty interpreting verbal and non-verbal cues like facial expressions and body language, making it hard to form and maintain relationships. Social nuances, such as humour or sarcasm, can be challenging.
  2. Repetitive Behaviors and Restricted Interests: People with autism may display repetitive movements (such as rocking or hand-flapping), have specific routines they insist on, or be intensely focused on particular topics of interest.
  3. Sensory Sensitivities: Many with autism have heightened or reduced sensitivity to sensory inputs like light, sound, touch, or taste. This can lead to either seeking or avoiding specific sensory experiences.

Autism’s impact on an individual’s functioning and daily life can range from mild to severe. Some may require significant support daily, while others might live independently and have successful careers. There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to autism, and each individual’s experiences and needs can be unique.

Early intervention and tailored support strategies can significantly improve outcomes for autistic individuals, helping them develop essential social, communication, and life skills.

Learning Challenges Assessment

Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders that affect the acquisition and use of academic skills. These disorders are characterized by difficulties in learning and using academic skills, despite having average to above-average intelligence and receiving adequate instruction.

Three common types of SLD are: 

Dyslexia

One common type of SLD is dyslexia, which primarily affects reading. Individuals with dyslexia may have difficulty recognizing and decoding words, which can impact their reading fluency and comprehension. It’s important to note that dyslexia is not related to intelligence, and many individuals with dyslexia have strengths in other areas, such as problem-solving or creative thinking.

Dyscalculia

Another type of SLD is dyscalculia, which involves difficulties with mathematical concepts and operations. Individuals with dyscalculia may struggle with tasks like understanding mathematical symbols, memorizing math facts, and solving mathematical problems.

Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia is another SLD that affects writing skills. People with dysgraphia may have challenges with handwriting, spelling, and organizing their thoughts on paper. Despite these difficulties, individuals with dysgraphia may have normal or above-average intelligence.

Our Scope of Specialist Practice
  • Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Learning Difficulties and Language Disorders
  • Global Developmental Delay (GDD)
  • Specific Learning Disorders
  • Anxiety and Depression
  • Challenging Behaviour