Understanding ADHD and Our Assessment Services

What is ADHD?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person regulates attention, activity levels, and impulses. It is not a sign of laziness, lack of intelligence, or poor parenting—rather, it is a legitimate medical condition that originates in the brain and can have a significant impact on daily life.

ADHD typically begins in childhood, but many individuals continue to experience symptoms well into adolescence and adulthood. In adults, ADHD may not always look like it does in children—hyperactivity may diminish, but challenges with focus, memory, and organisation often persist and can interfere with work, relationships, and everyday responsibilities.

Common Symptom Areas

Inattention

Trouble sustaining focus, following through on tasks, staying organised, or remembering daily responsibilities. Individuals may be easily distracted or appear as if they are not listening when spoken to.

Hyperactivity

Restlessness, fidgeting, or an internal sense of agitation. Children may run or climb excessively, while adults may feel chronically “on the go” or struggle to relax.

Impulsivity

Acting without thinking, interrupting conversations, difficulty waiting turns, or making quick decisions without considering consequences.

A proper ADHD diagnosis can bring clarity and relief, helping individuals and families understand the challenges they’ve been facing. With the right supports, strategies, and evidence-based treatments, people with ADHD can thrive across all areas of life.

If you’re wondering whether ADHD might be affecting you or your child, our team at Helping Humans Thrive offers comprehensive ADHD assessments for both adults (click here for more information) and children (click here for more information) grounded in the latest research and tailored to your unique presentation.

Why Diagnosis Matters

  • It is not a behavioural choice. People with ADHD are not being intentionally disruptive or careless.

  • It is not just a childhood condition. ADHD can persist across the lifespan and often goes undiagnosed until adulthood.

  • It is not a “one-size-fits-all” condition. ADHD presents differently in every individual. Some may be primarily inattentive, others hyperactive/impulsive, and many experience a combination of symptoms.

  • It is not caused by poor parenting, too much screen time, or sugar. While environment can influence symptom expression, ADHD is rooted in brain-based differences in how attention and executive functions are managed

What ADHD Is Not:

ADHD Assessment Fees Explained

Child & Adolescent ADHD Assessments

Your child will attend one or more assessment sessions in a quiet, distraction-free space. These sessions may include standardised testing tailored to your child’s age, concerns, and developmental level.

  • Sessions are typically scheduled in the morning, when children are most alert

  • Most sessions run for 1 to 2 hours, depending on the child and the assessments required

  • Multiple sessions may be scheduled over several weeks for comprehensive evaluations

  • Parents are asked to remain nearby during the assessment but are not present in the room

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  • Mikaela Stowe – Clinical Psychology Registrar

Total cost: $1950

Mikaela is a dedicated Clinical Psychology Registrar who creates a warm, safe, and non-judgmental environment, allowing clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences at their own pace. With a strengths-based approach at the core of her practice, Mikaela's focus is on providing a supportive space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to embrace their potential and work towards meaningful change.

Mikaela works with a diverse range of clients across the lifespan, offering therapeutic support for individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, body image and eating-related concerns, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and traits associated with neurodiversity, including ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). She also has a particular interest in working with individuals who present with traits of ‘overcontrol’—such as perfectionism, high rigidity, and emotional suppression—and supports them in building greater psychological flexibility and emotional resilience.

Mikaela draws from a variety of evidence-based therapeutic modalities to create a tailored treatment approach that meets the specific needs of each client. This includes techniques from Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness-Based Therapies.

Adult ADHD Assessments

Total cost: $1950

This assessment includes:

  • Initial clinical interview (50 mins) – Review of current functioning and relevant history.

  • ADHD-specific questionnaires – Self-report measures and optional collateral input.

  • Review of relevant documents – e.g., past school reports or psychological assessments.

  • Feedback session (50 mins) – Summary of results and tailored recommendations.

  • Comprehensive written report – Can be shared with your GP or psychiatrist.

Flexible Payment Options

We aim to make the assessment process more accessible by offering flexible payment options:

PayPal Pay in 4 – Split the total cost into 4 interest-free fortnightly payments using PayPal’s secure checkout system.

Medicare & Rebates

While full ADHD assessments are not currently eligible for a Medicare rebate, sessions conducted by a registered psychologist may be rebated under a Mental Health Care Plan when they are part of a broader intervention or treatment plan.

Please contact us to discuss your specific circumstances, as eligibility for Medicare rebates depends on the nature of the appointment and referral pathway.

You may also be eligible for private health insurance rebates, depending on your fund and level of cover. We recommend checking directly with your insurer.

Additional Services

If cognitive testing (e.g., WISC-V, WAIS-IV), autism assessment, or learning disorder screening is required alongside ADHD assessment, these can be discussed and quoted separately.