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ADHD Assessments

If you have concerns that your child may have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Growing Together Clinic provides comprehensive ADHD assessments for children and adolescents in Indooroopilly, Brisbane. Our integrated team of GPs and Consultant Paediatricians offers a thorough, coordinated assessment pathway, helping families understand their child's needs and access the right support without unnecessary delays.

ADHD Assessments

What Is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that are inconsistent with a child’s developmental level and that interfere with functioning at home, school, or in social settings.

ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions in childhood. With the right assessment, diagnosis, and support, children with ADHD can thrive at school, at home, and in their relationships.

ADHD presents in three main ways:

Predominantly inattentive

Difficulties sustaining attention, following through on tasks, and staying organised, without significant hyperactivity

Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive

Excessive movement, difficulty sitting still, impulsive decision-making, and interrupting others

Combined presentation

A combination of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms

Signs That May Indicate ADHD in Children

ADHD can present differently depending on a child’s age, gender, and individual profile. Some common signs that may indicate ADHD include:

  • Difficulty sustaining attention on tasks or activities, particularly those requiring mental effort
  • Frequently losing items needed for tasks, such as books, pencils, or devices
  • Easily distracted by external stimuli or unrelated thoughts
  • Forgetting daily tasks and routines
  • Difficulty following multi-step instructions
  • Appearing not to listen when spoken to directly
  • Excessive talking, interrupting, or difficulty waiting their turn
  • Fidgeting, squirming, or leaving their seat at inappropriate times
  • Acting impulsively without considering consequences
  • Difficulty with organisation, time management, and planning

Symptoms may present as daydreaming, forgetfulness, or anxiety rather than disruptive behaviour. This often leads to later diagnosis in some young people.

If you have noticed any of these signs, or if a teacher or other professional has raised concerns, speaking with our GP is a good first step.

Concerned about your child? Request an appointment with our team today.

All paediatric assessments at Growing Together Clinic begin with a GP appointment. Dr McVinish sees patients referred through our GP only. Book your initial GP appointment today – your child’s journey starts there.

How ADHD Assessments Work at Growing Together Clinic

ADHD is diagnosed through a comprehensive clinical assessment. There is no single test for ADHD – diagnosis is based on a structured evaluation of your child’s history, behaviour across settings, and clinical findings. At Growing Together Clinic, our integrated care model ensures this process is thorough, coordinated, and as straightforward as possible for families.

1

GP Appointment (Bulk Billed)

Your child’s journey begins with a comprehensive GP consultation. A full developmental, medical, and behavioural history is gathered, existing school reports and any previous assessments are reviewed, structured screening tools are completed, and an initial care plan is developed. The GP determines whether a referral to our Consultant Paediatrician for formal ADHD assessment is appropriate.

2

Paediatric Assessment (Privately Billed)

Where an ADHD assessment is indicated, your child is referred to our onsite Consultant Paediatrician. The Paediatrician conducts a comprehensive clinical evaluation, integrating information from the GP consultation, school and parent rating scales, and direct clinical observation. This appointment is privately billed.

3

Shared-Care and Ongoing Support

Following diagnosis, most ongoing care and follow-up – including medication management, reviews, and monitoring – can be provided by our GP in close consultation with the Paediatrician. GP appointments remain bulk billed, reducing the cost burden for families over time. The Paediatrician remains involved through case conferences and collaborative planning as needed.

4

Scripts and Management Plans

Our GP can provide all relevant prescriptions, including ADHD medication where indicated, and implement management plans in consultation with the Paediatrician. This keeps your child’s care joined up and consistent from the outset.

Why This Model Matters

Our shared-care approach means families have access to specialist ADHD assessment and ongoing management without the cost and wait times that come with paediatric-only care. It means:

  • Lower out-of-pocket costs
  • Shorter wait times for specialist input
  • Ongoing bulk-billed GP care for medication reviews and follow-up
  • A coordinated team approach between GP and Paediatrician

Our goal is simple: to make paediatric care easier to access, easier to afford, and better coordinated for every family.

Frequently Asked Questions

ADHD is diagnosed through a comprehensive clinical assessment, not a single test. At Growing Together Clinic, the process begins with a GP consultation that covers a full developmental and behavioural history, review of school reports, and completion of validated rating scales by parents and teachers. Where indicated, referral to our Consultant Paediatrician follows for specialist assessment. The Paediatrician integrates all available information to determine whether the diagnostic criteria for ADHD are met.

Yes. A GP or paediatrician referral is required to access our ADHD assessment service. If your child does not yet have a referral, you can book an initial appointment with one of our GPs at Growing Together Clinic. Our GP will assess your child’s history, discuss your concerns, and determine whether a referral for formal ADHD assessment is appropriate.

ADHD can be assessed and diagnosed from preschool age, though assessments are most commonly conducted in school-age children and adolescents. The assessment approach is adapted to your child’s age and developmental level. In adolescents and young adults, ADHD may present differently than in younger children, and our clinicians are experienced in assessing across all age groups.

An ADHD assessment at Growing Together Clinic typically spans more than one appointment. The GP consultation gathers background information and initiates the assessment process. The Paediatric assessment then follows, with the timeline depending on your child’s individual presentation and the complexity of their history. Our team will outline the expected process before the assessment begins.

Not every child diagnosed with ADHD will be prescribed medication. The decision to use medication is made on an individual basis, taking into account the nature and severity of your child’s symptoms, their age, and the impact of ADHD on their daily functioning. Where medication is recommended, it is initiated and monitored carefully, and forms just one part of a broader management plan that may also include behavioural strategies and school support. We can also discuss behavioural and complimentary medicine options along with the evidence about how likely these strategies will improve the young person’s functioning and the evidence about how much of an impact have been shown to have on these symptoms.

Yes. Once an ADHD diagnosis has been established and a management plan initiated by our Paediatrician, ongoing medication prescribing and monitoring can be managed by our GP in close consultation with the Paediatrician. GP appointments are bulk billed, making ongoing ADHD management more affordable for families over time.

An ADHD diagnosis, on its own, is not typically eligible for supports through the NDIS. However, we can discuss both what options are believed to likely improve a young persons functioning so NDIS is not required, and whether there are further developmental challenges that could be explored. 

It is helpful to bring any existing reports from schools, therapists, or other health professionals, along with your referral letter and Medicare card. Completed teacher and parent rating scales may also be requested prior to the appointment. Bringing a summary of your specific concerns and examples of the behaviours you have observed at home and school can help make the most of the consultation.

Once the assessment is complete, a written clinical report is provided outlining the findings, diagnosis where applicable, and recommendations. Our team will discuss the results with you and help coordinate any referrals, school support plans, management plans, or ongoing care required. Growing Together Clinic supports families well beyond the point of diagnosis – our shared-care model means your child has consistent, coordinated support as they grow.

Request an Appointment

Growing Together Clinic provides ADHD assessments for children and adolescents in Indooroopilly and across western Brisbane. Contact our team to discuss your child’s needs and take the first step.

Request an Appointment Today