ADHD Assessment for Children at Sandyford Medical

What is an ADHD Assessment?

ADHD assessments for children (6 to 17 years) at Centric Mental Health provide a clear ADHD diagnosis, as well as feedback and advice on the next steps.

ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurodevelopmental difference falling under the category of ‘neurodiversity’, a term used to consider the natural differences in brain functioning in the human population. It affects approximately 7.2% of children. The core traits of ADHD include inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, which can lead to difficulties in various areas of life.

Depending on their age and life stage, people with ADHD can struggle in areas such as education, managing relationships with friends and family, the workplace, managing finances and general day-to-day organisation. These functional difficulties can have a significant impact on daily life, however with the correct supports and an understanding of how ADHD links to differences in functioning, there are ways to learn to manage.

Who should attend the Child ADHD Assessments?

All ADHD assessments require the attendance of a person who is very well acquainted with the child undergoing assessment. This ‘informant’, such as a partner, parent, family member, or lifetime friend provides crucial additional insight and information.

For Child ADHD Assessments:

In addition to meeting with your child or adolescent, it will be important for the assessing clinician to meet with the primary caregivers in the child’s life. In addition to the parents, this may also include other family members who have regular interaction with the child.
We ask that for the initial meeting, the total number of participants attending is limited to 2 people.

How do the Child ADHD Assessments work?

Child assessments are completed by a psychologist in one of our Dublin Clinic locations and will include the following:

What will I get from this assessment?

For Child ADHD Assessments, you will be provided with a diagnosis and a one-to-one feedback session with the psychologist to review your child’s results and tailored recommendations. Should your child meet the criteria for ADHD, your child will be offered fast-tracked access to psychological support in Centric Mental Health. All assessment reports are completed in line with the HSE and Department of Education Guidelines.

For individuals looking to access third-level education, please note that all reports are completed in line with requirements for the Evidence of Disability for Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) Scheme. Dare is a third-level alternative admission scheme for school leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second-level education.

What is not included in the assessment?

Please note that we cannot provide psychiatric medication. If medication is necessary, it will be discussed between you and the assessing psychologist and onward referral to a psychiatrist or paediatrician will be required.

How much does the Children's ADHD Assessment cost?