ADHD Diagnosis: Complete Australian Guide

What is an ADHD diagnosis?

An ADHD diagnosis is a clinician’s conclusion, after a full assessment, that a person’s inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity meets recognised criteria. It is not a label for effort or character, and it is not a reason for blame.

The Australian ADHD Guideline’s GP factsheet reports that around 6-8% of children and 3-5% of adults in Australia have ADHD (Australian ADHD Guideline). Our guide on what ADHD is explains the condition itself.

ADHD diagnosis criteria and what clinicians look for

AADPA’s ADHD Diagnosis Checklist sets out three core requirements (AADPA checklist). Our guide to ADHD diagnostic criteria in Australia goes through them in detail.

The Guideline also notes that direct observation, neuropsychological testing, neuroimaging and EEG did not increase the accuracy of diagnosis (Guideline section 2.1).

Tests, quizzes and questionnaires: how they fit into diagnosis

Many people start with an online check. It can help you describe your experience, but it cannot diagnose you, and only a qualified professional can assess this.

• How clinicians test: our guide to how clinicians test for ADHD explains the interview, history and rating scales used in a real assessment.
• Signs people notice: read how you know if you have ADHD, then book a GP visit rather than relying on a score.
• Free tools: our guides to a free ADHD test and a free ADHD test for adults show what these tools measure and what they miss.
• Questionnaires: an ADHD questionnaire for adults is only a conversation starter, and any ADHD self assessment questionnaire cannot replace a clinician.
• Screening scale: the adult ADHD self-report scale (ASRS v1.1) is a screening scale, and the Guideline says rating scales should not be used alone.

How to get an ADHD diagnosis in Australia

If you have been asking how to get diagnosed with ADHD, these steps show where to begin.

1. 1Write down what you notice. List examples from home, school or work, and note how long they have lasted and how they affect daily life.
2. 2Gather evidence from childhood. Find school reports, teacher comments or family memories, because healthdirect says adult diagnosis needs evidence that symptoms began in childhood.
3. 3Book a GP appointment. Bring your notes and ask who in your area is credentialled to assess ADHD and what the waiting time is.
4. 4Ask for a referral. Children are usually referred to a paediatrician, child psychiatrist or psychologist. For adults, ask your GP which credentialled clinicians assess ADHD in your area.
5. 5Attend the assessment. Expect a detailed interview and questions about your history, and bring any rating scales or school reports.
6. 6Ask about a written report. Ask whether you will receive a report that explains the findings and any recommendations.

To check what applies where you live, see our guide to ADHD diagnosis by state before booking.

TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.

Who can diagnose ADHD in Australia?

The Guideline’s clinician factsheet states that a thorough assessment by an appropriately trained and credentialled clinician is needed (AADPA clinician factsheet). Our guide to who can diagnose ADHD in Australia has the full picture.

• Paediatrician, child psychiatrist or psychologist: healthdirect says these are the clinicians who usually diagnose children.
• Adults: assessment by a credentialled clinician needs evidence of symptoms from childhood, and school reports may be requested.
• GP: your GP is a sensible first stop, and you can read can a GP diagnose ADHD for more detail.
• Neurologist: the Guideline says an appropriately trained and credentialled clinician is needed, so ask whether the neurologist assesses ADHD.
• Online and telehealth clinicians: some services offer remote assessments, and you can compare the questions to ask in ADHD assessment online and by telehealth.

ADHD assessment for children and kids

For a child, the assessment looks at behaviour across home, school and community, and parents and teachers may be asked for input. A clinician will want to know how long symptoms have lasted and where they cause problems.

• Ask your child’s teacher for a written summary of what they see in the classroom, and keep past school reports together.
• Write down examples of when symptoms show up at home, including routines like mornings, homework and bedtime.
• Book your GP first to ask for a referral to a paediatrician, child psychiatrist or psychologist.
• Read ADHD tests for kids to see which tools are used and what parents can expect.
• Explain the assessment to your child in simple, positive words, and focus on getting the right support.

ADHD diagnosis in adults and women

Adults can seek an assessment at any age, and the same evidence of childhood symptoms is needed.

• Start with how to diagnose ADHD in adults for the adult pathway and the childhood evidence clinicians ask for.
• Women who want to explore their own experiences can read the ADHD test for women guide and then follow the same pathway through a GP.
• Gather old school reports, ask relatives what you were like as a child, and bring a list of how symptoms affect work and relationships.
• If you also wonder about autism, our guide on adult autism diagnosis explains the adult pathway for autism, and how to get an autism diagnosis in Australia covers the steps.
• If you are worried that symptoms are changing, see whether ADHD gets worse with age.

ADHD assessment cost and private health cover

Costs can vary between clinicians, so check the cost before you book, and ask what is included in the fee.

• Ask the clinic for the full assessment cost, including report fees and follow-up appointments, before you confirm.
• Ask whether Medicare rebates apply to your referral type, and check with your private health fund whether it covers any part of an assessment.
• Compare public and private options, because waiting times and costs can differ.
• Our guide to ADHD assessment cost in Australia explains what to ask, and how much ADHD medication costs covers ongoing costs.
• Call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) for general health advice at any hour.

Is ADHD overdiagnosed?

People often ask this when deciding whether to seek an assessment. The Guideline’s emphasis is on a thorough assessment by an appropriately trained and credentialled clinician.

• The Guideline says rating scales can assist with diagnosis but should not be used alone.
• A clinician checks age of onset, duration and impairment in more than one setting before diagnosing.
• If you are told you do not meet the criteria, ask the clinician to explain why and what other explanations they considered.
• If you disagree with an outcome, you can ask your GP about a second opinion.

ADHD diagnosis and treatment

A diagnosis can lead to several kinds of support. This is general information, and decisions about treatment belong with you and your prescriber.

• The Guideline lists stimulants (methylphenidate, dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine) as first-line medication for people aged 5 and over, and atomoxetine or guanfacine as second line (AADPA clinician factsheet).
• In children and adolescents, clonidine is also a second-line medication, according to the Guideline.
• Cognitive behavioural approaches should be offered to adolescents and adults, and parent and family training should be offered to parents and carers of children and adolescents (AADPA clinician factsheet).
• Talk to your GP, paediatrician, psychiatrist or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.
• Read adult ADHD treatment options for an overview of supports beyond medicine.

ADHD diagnosis and the NDIS

An ADHD diagnosis does not automatically give access to the NDIS. NDIS funding is conditional, and if you meet the NDIS access requirements it can fund supports that help with daily living.

• Our guide is ADHD a disability explains how the law and the NDIS approach the question.
• Keep your assessment report, therapy notes and a simple diary of daily support needs for any NDIS application.
• For ADHD support, healthdirect lists the ADHD Foundation on 1300 39 39 19.

TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.

Your next step

If you or someone you care for has an ADHD diagnosis, or is waiting for one, daily life can still need practical backup. TQN Care offers personal care, community access, respite and help around the home through our NDIS services. We value routine, reliability and respect, and we will call you back to talk through what would help most.