Last updated 26 October 2026 · 9 min read · By Sarah M., Support Coordinator
In short
Who can diagnose ADHD in Australia depends on age. Children are usually diagnosed by a paediatrician or a child psychiatrist or psychologist, and adults need an assessment by an appropriately trained and credentialled clinician. This guide, part of our overview of how to get an ADHD diagnosis in Australia, explains who does what and how to start.
Key points
The Australian ADHD Guideline says a thorough assessment by an appropriately trained and credentialled clinician is needed, and rating scales should not be used alone.
Healthdirect says children are usually diagnosed by a paediatrician or a child psychiatrist or psychologist.
Adults need evidence that symptoms began in childhood, and school reports may be requested.
ADHD cannot be diagnosed online or through an ADHD quiz, according to ReachOut Australia.
Who can diagnose ADHD in Australia at a glance
Who assesses children
A paediatrician, or a child psychiatrist or psychologist
Who assesses adults
An appropriately trained and credentialled clinician
First step
A visit to your GP, who may refer you
How common
Around 6-8% of children and 3-5% of adults in Australia (Australian ADHD Guideline)
Who can diagnose ADHD in Australia: the short answer
The Australian ADHD Guideline’s clinician factsheet states that a thorough assessment by an appropriately trained and credentialled clinician is needed to diagnose ADHD (AADPA). Rating scales can assist but should not be used alone.
Professional
Role in ADHD assessment
GP
A common first step; many GPs refer families to a specialist
Paediatrician
Usually diagnoses children
Child psychiatrist or psychologist
Usually diagnoses children
Psychiatrist
A specialist doctor; ask whether they assess ADHD
Psychologist
Assessment depends on training; ask about their ADHD experience
The people who diagnose ADHD in adults and children can differ, so the sections below take each in turn.
Can a GP or doctor diagnose ADHD?
Your GP is a common place to start. Whether a GP can diagnose depends on their training and on where you live.
The Royal Children’s Hospital says many GPs refer families to a paediatrician, child psychologist or child psychiatrist.
In NSW, a smaller number of endorsed GP prescribers are being trained to diagnose ADHD and start medicines for people aged 6 years and above (NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation).
About 300 spots were offered in the first round, with a second round expected to start in November 2026.
Ask your GP whether they can assess ADHD or who they would refer you to, and bring any school reports.
Queensland has changed who can prescribe ADHD medicines, which is a different question from who can diagnose.
From 1 December 2025, all specialist GPs in Queensland can initiate, modify and continue psychostimulants for adults with ADHD (Queensland Health, updated 28 November 2025).
Paediatricians’ authorisations are being extended to young adults aged 18 to 24 years.
These changes are about prescribing, so ask your doctor who will complete the diagnostic assessment first.
Talk to your GP, psychiatrist or pharmacist about medicines. This page does not advise starting, changing or stopping any medicine.
Can a psychiatrist diagnose ADHD? ADHD psychiatrists and assessment
Psychiatrists are specialist doctors, and a thorough assessment by an appropriately trained and credentialled clinician is what the guideline asks for.
A child psychiatrist is among the professionals healthdirect names as able to diagnose children.
The Australian ADHD Guideline notes a detailed clinical interview may take between 2 and 3 hours.
The same guideline notes that direct observation, neuropsychological testing, neuroimaging and EEG did not increase the accuracy of diagnosis.
Ask whether the psychiatrist has experience with ADHD and what they need from you before the appointment.
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.
Can psychologists diagnose ADHD? Clinical psychologists and training
Healthdirect lists a child psychologist among the professionals who usually diagnose children. For adults, the question is whether the clinician is appropriately trained and credentialled.
Ask a psychologist or clinical psychologist whether they assess ADHD, and how many assessments they have completed.
Ask what ADHD assessment training for psychologists they have done.
Ask what the assessment includes, such as interviews, rating scales and reports from school or work.
Check whether you need a GP referral, and whether you will be sent back to a doctor for medicine questions.
Can a paediatrician diagnose ADHD in children?
Yes, a paediatrician can diagnose ADHD in children. Healthdirect says children are usually diagnosed by a paediatrician or a child psychiatrist or psychologist.
The Royal Children’s Hospital says only health professionals with special training can diagnose children with ADHD.
Children usually must be at least about five years old for an assessment (Royal Children’s Hospital).
Take school reports, a short diary of what you see at home and any earlier assessments to the first appointment.
Ask the school what it has noticed, since assessors look at more than one setting.
Who can diagnose ADHD in Australia for adults?
Adults can be assessed, and the process looks at both now and childhood.
Healthdirect says diagnosing ADHD in adults requires evidence that symptoms began in childhood.
School reports may be requested, so look for old reports or ask a family member who remembers.
Around 3-5% of adults in Australia have ADHD, according to the Australian ADHD Guideline’s GP factsheet (AADPA).
ReachOut Australia states that ADHD can’t be diagnosed online or through an ADHD quiz (page updated 28 July 2026, ReachOut Australia).
A quiz or questionnaire is for reflection only, and only a qualified professional can assess this. See our ADHD questionnaire guide.
If a service offers a remote appointment, ask who the clinician is, what training they have and how they gather evidence from childhood.
Be cautious about any service that promises a diagnosis without a thorough assessment.
How an ADHD assessment works: step by step
1Talk to your GP. Describe what you notice, how long it has lasted and how it affects daily life, and ask about referral options.
2Gather evidence. Collect school reports, past assessments and examples from home, school or work.
3Book with a trained clinician. Choose a paediatrician, psychiatrist or psychologist with ADHD experience, and ask about waiting times.
4Attend the interview. A detailed clinical interview may take between 2 and 3 hours.
5Discuss the results. Ask the clinician to explain the findings, supports and next steps in plain language.
AADPA’s ADHD Diagnosis Checklist requires evidence of symptoms before age 12 years, symptoms present for at least 6 months, and symptoms causing impairment in at least two settings, such as home, school, work or community (AADPA). Read about the ADHD diagnostic criteria for more.
When to talk to a GP or specialist
You notice attention, restlessness or impulsivity that has lasted for months and affects home, school or work.
A teacher, employer or family member has raised concerns about focus or organisation.
You have old school reports that mention attention, and want to understand them.
You are unsure whether an online result is reliable and want a proper assessment.
Healthdirect’s helpline on 1800 022 222 (NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) is staffed by registered nurses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and it lists the ADHD Foundation on 1300 39 39 19 for ADHD support. In an emergency, call 000.
Looking for NDIS support at home?
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.
An assessment answers the question of diagnosis, but daily life still needs practical support. If you or someone you care for needs help at home or in the community, write down the tasks that matter most. We offer TQN Care NDIS services including personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne, Newcastle, Wollongong and Geelong.
SM
Sarah M., Support CoordinatorTQN Care is a registered NDIS provider supporting people across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC).
Common questions
FAQs about who can diagnose ADHD in Australia
Can doctors diagnose ADHD? +
Some can, depending on their training. For children, the Royal Children’s Hospital says many GPs refer families to a paediatrician, child psychologist or child psychiatrist. In NSW, a smaller number of endorsed GP prescribers are being trained to diagnose ADHD in people aged 6 and above. Ask your GP what they can do.
Can a clinical psychologist diagnose ADHD? +
Healthdirect lists child psychologists among the professionals who usually diagnose children. For adults, the guideline asks for an appropriately trained and credentialled clinician. Ask the psychologist about their ADHD assessment training, what the assessment involves and whether you will need a referral.
Can a paediatrician diagnose ADHD? +
Yes. Healthdirect says children are usually diagnosed by a paediatrician or a child psychiatrist or psychologist. Children usually must be at least about five years old for an assessment, according to the Royal Children’s Hospital. Take school reports to the first appointment.
Can doctors diagnose ADHD in Victoria? +
Ask your GP first about assessment and referral options. A thorough assessment by a trained and credentialled clinician is needed wherever you live. The healthdirect helpline in Victoria is NURSE-ON-CALL on 1800 022 222.