What ADHD is
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting attention, activity and impulse control. It begins in childhood and often continues into adulthood.
With the right support, people with ADHD do well at school, work and home.
ADHD assessment, for children and adults
A clear, supportive path to understanding attention and focus difficulties, for children, teenagers and adults across Morisset and Lake Macquarie. Assessment, ongoing management and support, with time to talk it through.
We are a Medicare Bulk Billing Practice
Fees and eligibilityGP consultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card: children 15 and under, patients 65 and over with a pension or Health Care Card, and all other pension and Health Care Card holders.
Good to know before you book
01A fee applies
ADHD assessment is a private service.
Tap to see moreReception will explain costs and appointment lengths before you book.
Fees02Longer appointments
ADHD consultations need more time.
Tap to see moreTell reception the visit is for ADHD so the right time is booked.
Call (02) 4006 822203Bring school reports
Childhood history is part of every assessment.
Tap to see moreOld school reports and family observations help.
What to bring04Not only medicine
Support includes strategies, therapy and adjustments.
Tap to see moreYour doctor will talk through every option.
Support optionsFind the care that fits
Choose a topic to see what is involved, what it costs, the questions people ask most, and how to book.
In children and adults
Signs of ADHD
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that starts in childhood. In children it may show as difficulty concentrating, restlessness and impulsivity. In adults it often looks like disorganisation, losing track of time, forgetfulness and feeling overwhelmed.
Girls and women are often under-recognised. Many other conditions, including anxiety, depression and poor sleep, can cause similar difficulties, which is why a careful assessment matters.
- 1Notice the patterns
- 2Book a consultation
- 3Screening and history
- 4Assessment pathway
What it costsADHD assessment attracts a fee. Reception will confirm costs.
Can ADHD be diagnosed in adults?
Yes. Many adults are diagnosed for the first time.
Is it just being easily distracted?
No. ADHD affects many areas of life and is assessed against recognised criteria.
What to expect
The assessment process
Assessment usually involves a detailed history, questionnaires, information from family, school or work, and a review of other conditions that could explain the symptoms.
Rules about who can diagnose ADHD and prescribe ADHD medicines differ between states and have been changing in New South Wales. Your doctor will explain the current pathway and any referrals needed.
- 1First consultation
- 2Questionnaires and history
- 3Information from others
- 4Results and plan
What it costsADHD assessment attracts a fee. Reception will confirm costs.
How long does assessment take?
Usually more than one appointment.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed for your first consultation.
Home, school and family
ADHD in children
Children with ADHD may struggle with attention, sitting still, following instructions or managing emotions. Teachers' observations are an important part of assessment.
Support can include parenting strategies, school adjustments, occupational therapy, psychology and, for some children, medicine, alongside paediatric review where needed.
- 1Talk with your GP
- 2School and family input
- 3Assessment or referral
- 4Support plan
What it costsADHD assessment attracts a fee. Children's other GP consultations are bulk billed.
Should I talk to the school?
Yes. Teacher reports are helpful.
Is ADHD caused by parenting?
No. ADHD is neurodevelopmental.
Reviews and support
Ongoing management
After diagnosis, regular reviews help check how things are going at home, school or work, and adjust support.
Treatment may include psychological strategies, coaching, workplace or school adjustments, and medicine where appropriate, with monitoring of benefits and side effects.
- 1Regular reviews
- 2Adjust the plan
- 3Monitor health
- 4Coordinate care
What it costsADHD consultations attract a fee. Reception will confirm costs.
How often are reviews needed?
Your doctor will advise.
Can I continue care from another doctor?
Ask reception about continuing ADHD care.
Everyday tools that help
Strategies and support
Practical strategies such as visual planners, reminders, breaking tasks into small steps, body doubling and routines can make a big difference.
Sleep, exercise and nutrition also affect focus and mood. ADHD Australia and other organisations offer resources for individuals and families.
- 1Identify challenges
- 2Try strategies
- 3Professional support
- 4Review
What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.
Does exercise help?
Regular exercise supports focus and mood.
Is there support for families?
Yes. Your GP can point you to resources.
Understanding adhd assessment
Plain-language information to help you know what to expect and make informed decisions with your GP.
Why assessment takes time
A careful assessment looks at symptoms across different settings, childhood history, and other conditions such as anxiety, depression, sleep problems and learning difficulties.
Information from family, school or work helps build an accurate picture.
Who is the assessment for?
Choose the option that fits. Reception will book the right appointment length.
My young child
Assessment includes your observations, childcare or school reports and a review of development and hearing.
Next stepCall reception to book a longer appointment.My teenager
Teens can be part of the conversation, with input from parents and school.
Next stepBook a longer appointment; school reports help.Me, as an adult
Adult assessment looks at childhood history and current difficulties at work, study and home.
Next stepCall reception about adult ADHD assessment.Continuing care from elsewhere
Bring your previous assessment and letters so care can continue.
Next stepCall reception to arrange a review.I am not sure it is ADHD
Many conditions overlap. A first consultation can help work out what is going on.
Next stepBook a standard appointment to start.ADHD explained
ADHD looks different in every person. These are some of the ways it can show up.
01InattentiveTap for details
Inattentive
- What it can look like
- Forgetful, easily distracted, losing things.
- Good to know
- Often missed, especially in girls.
- Support
- Strategies, support and treatment options.
02Hyperactive and impulsiveTap for details
Hyperactive and impulsive
- What it can look like
- Restless, interrupting, acting quickly.
- Good to know
- Often noticed early in childhood.
- Support
- Behaviour support and treatment options.
03CombinedTap for details
Combined
- What it can look like
- Features of both.
- Good to know
- The most common presentation.
- Support
- A plan tailored to the person.
04Girls and womenTap for details
Girls and women
- What it can look like
- Daydreaming, overwhelm, anxiety.
- Good to know
- Often diagnosed later in life.
- Support
- Careful assessment and support.
05ADHD and anxietyTap for details
ADHD and anxiety
- What it can look like
- Worry alongside attention problems.
- Good to know
- Both are assessed together.
- Support
- Treating both helps most.
06ADHD and autismTap for details
ADHD and autism
- What it can look like
- Social and sensory differences with attention difficulties.
- Good to know
- They often occur together.
- Support
- Assessment by specialists where needed.
07ADHD and sleepTap for details
ADHD and sleep
- What it can look like
- Trouble winding down and waking.
- Good to know
- Sleep affects focus and mood.
- Support
- Sleep strategies and review.
08Learning difficultiesTap for details
Learning difficulties
- What it can look like
- Reading, writing or maths challenges.
- Good to know
- Often assessed alongside ADHD.
- Support
- School support and referral.
Everyday strategies
Write it down
Lists, planners and reminders on your phone.
Break it up
Split tasks into small, clear steps.
Routine
Regular times for sleep, meals and tasks.
Move
Exercise supports focus and mood.
Sleep
A wind-down routine and consistent bedtime.
Body doubling
Work alongside someone else to stay on task.
A clear path to understanding
Call reception to find out which doctor provides ADHD care, the cost and the appointment length.
See appointmentsMyth or fact?
Test what you know about adhd assessment. Choose an answer to reveal the explanation.
01
ADHD only affects boys.
Girls and women are often under-recognised.
02
Adults can be diagnosed with ADHD.
Many adults are diagnosed for the first time.
03
ADHD is caused by poor parenting.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition.
0 of 3 answered
Evidence, sources and advertising standards
Information on this page is general, evidence-based and drawn from Australian health authorities and professional guidelines, including:
Morisset Doctors advertises its services in line with the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and AHPRA's Guidelines for advertising a regulated health service. We do not use testimonials, offer inducements, or make claims about outcomes. Individual results and experiences vary. Please talk to your GP about your own situation.
The numbers worth knowing
2+Appointments
Usually needed for a full assessment.
0Referrals needed
For your first consultation.
FeeApplies
Reception will explain costs upfront.
AllAges
Children, teenagers and adults.
Everyone involved, around you
Your care can involve more than one person. Choose a part of the care team to see how it fits together.
Youat the centre of your care
ADHD assessment at every stage
Attention, behaviour, school and family support.
Study, emotions and independence.
Work, relationships and late diagnosis.
Booking an ADHD appointment
ADHD assessment and management is offered by selected doctors. Call reception to find out who provides ADHD care, the cost, and the appointment length you need.
Call reception first
Reception will match you with the right doctor and book a longer appointment.
Make the most of your appointment
A little preparation gives you and your doctor more time for what matters. Your doctor will explain the options, benefits and risks, and only examine with your consent.
What to bring0 of 6 ready
Your health, your choice
Book online at any hour, or call reception from 8:00am, Monday to Friday. New patients welcome.
ADHD assessment questions, answered
If yours is not here, call (02) 4006 8222 and reception will help.
Is ADHD assessment bulk billed?
No. A fee applies. Reception will confirm costs.
Do you assess adults?
Yes.
Do you assess children?
Yes, with input from family and school.
How long are appointments?
Longer appointments are needed. Ask reception.
Do I need a referral?
Not for your first consultation.
Which doctors provide ADHD assessment?
Ask reception which doctors provide ADHD assessment and management.
Can adults be assessed for ADHD?
Yes. Many adults are diagnosed for the first time.
Do I need school reports?
They help, especially for children; bring what you have.
