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ADHD Assessment

Gain Clarity And Direction

At Toronto Psychology Centre, we offer psychoeducational assessments for ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults. ADHD affects various aspects of life and can present differently in each person, making accurate diagnosis, tailored recommendations, and evidence-based treatment essential.

Our assessments provide diagnostic clarity, support Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for school-aged children, and recommend accommodations for young adults entering college or university. They also help identify strengths and challenges that may impact work performance.

A comprehensive ADHD assessment can help you make sense of a complicated presentation of symptoms, and/or formally document what you may have already informally known for years. Our highly trained psychologists are committed to helping you gain a clear picture of your symptoms, identifying whether you have ADHD, and providing you targeted treatment strategies to improve your life.

Ready to understand your ADHD and find your path forward? Book a comprehensive assessment with our experienced team to get the insights, strategies, and support you need to succeed in every area of life.

What Is ADHD?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can involve difficulties with attention, concentration, organization, hyperactivity, impulsivity, or any combination of these. Some individuals with ADHD primarily experience challenges with attention and concentration, while others with ADHD primarily have difficulties with hyperactivity or impulsivity, and still others diagnosed with ADHD experience challenges in all of these areas. Although ADHD is often first diagnosed in childhood, it is not unheard of to receive an initial diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. Sometimes the referral question stems from parents or school personnel who are concerned over their child’s difficulty sitting still or concentrating in the classroom, whereas other times the referral question stems from an adolescent or adult concerned with their own ability to focus and meet the demands of their school or work life. Regardless of how ADHD manifests for a certain individual, the symptoms themselves can be difficult and sometimes feel impossible to change when you don’t know what exactly is going on or how to manage them.

For further insight into the challenges and symptoms of adult ADHD, visit the CADDRA Adult ADHD Information Page.

Diagnosing ADHD

The symptoms of ADHD may sometimes appear to be straightforward to detect, but these symptoms may also be difficult to decipher from other challenges or diagnoses. For example, the symptoms of inattention or a lack of focus in the classroom may be indicative of Inattentive-Type ADHD and/or giftedness. The symptoms of distractibility or hyperactivity may be indicative of Hyperactive-Type ADHD and/or certain mood disorders. Another complicating factor in formulating a diagnosis of ADHD is that the associated symptoms of inattention, distractibility, and hyperactivity may be exacerbated by certain life stressors. Additionally, ADHD can, but not always, co-occur with other diagnostic conditions such as Learning Disabilities, Anxiety Disorders, and certain addictions.

What To Expect From Testing For ADHD

In order to make a definitive diagnosis of ADHD and rule out other conditions that cause similar difficulties, we conduct a comprehensive assessment tailored to each client’s needs. Depending on the reason for the referral and the specific difficulties experienced, the assessment may include a structured background interview, standardized measures assessing attention, impulsivity, and organization, standardized measures to help rule out a Learning Disability or other learning challenges, and standardized measures examining social, emotional, behavioural and psychological symptoms to differentiate between ADHD symptoms and those common to other disorders.

A psychoeducational assessment can help set academic expectations according to an individual’s strengths and challenges. It can also identify strategies, tools and resources to maximize learning, and determine the most effective academic environment for an individual’s learning style.

Accommodations For ADHD

Children, adolescents and young adults with ADHD can receive accommodations to support their learning needs. Accommodations for students with ADHD may target in-class learning, organization, problems with distractibility, classwork, test-taking, and behavioural strategies. Students attending college or university can benefit from accommodations to support their educational goals and help manage the changes and increased academic expectations at the post-secondary level.

Next Steps Beyond Assessment: Therapy for Teens, Adults, & Families

Whether you’re seeking treatment after an ADHD diagnosis, need support managing symptoms, or want to explore therapy options without an assessment, we’re here to help. Our evidence-based therapy services empower teens, adults, and families, including specialized parenting support, to develop practical strategies and achieve success in all areas of life.

Find Clarity & Direction With A Comprehensive ADHD Assessment

Get the clarity and support you need to navigate ADHD with confidence. Our comprehensive assessments provide clear answers, personalized recommendations, and practical strategies to help you thrive in school, work, and life. Take the first step towards understanding and managing your ADHD – schedule your assessment today.