ADHD Child & Adolescent Assessment

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What is a Child & Adolescent (7+) ADHD Assessment?

A young person in conversation with a mental health professional during an ADHD assessment session.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects 1 in 20 children and adolescents in Ireland—that’s about 5% of the young population. Many young people go through school and daily life feeling restless, unfocused, or overwhelmed, without realising that ADHD could be the reason behind these struggles.

BetterCare™ offers online (10+ years old) ADHD assessments for children and in person appointments (7+ years old) at select locations, these are performed by our senior psychologists only.

While our child and adolescent services focus on early intervention and school-based strategies, older teens and adults may benefit from our Adult ADHD assessment services for a full evaluation and personalised care plan.

Our assessment explores ADHD symptoms, developmental, medical and family history, mental health background, and how symptoms impact learning, behaviour, and everyday functioning.

Each report includes a full ADHD diagnosis, if applicable, along with clear, personalised recommendations for ongoing care. Where appropriate, clients may be referred internally to our child & adolescent psychiatrist to review treatment options and coordinate care with their GP or specialist.

It is important to note that ADHD is a very treatable condition. With the right support and treatment, children and adolescents with ADHD can thrive, reach their potential, and lead happy, fulfilling lives.

During the assessment, the psychologist will talk with you and your child to find out more about any symptoms and about family life. They’ll also ask about your child’s development, such as how old they were when they learned to do things like walking or reading.

All reports are recognised by all government/state bodies, including Dept. of Education, Dept. of Health & Dept. Social Protection.

What are common signs of ADHD in children and adolescents?

Symptoms of ADHD usually start before the age of 12. They involve a person’s ability to pay attention to things (being inattentive), having high energy levels (being hyperactive) and their ability to control their impulses (being impulsive).

A child or young person may show signs of being inattentive, such as:

  • being easily distracted
  • finding it hard to listen to what people are saying or to follow instructions
  • forgetting everyday tasks, like brushing their teeth or putting on socks
  • emotional dysregulation

They may show signs of being hyperactive and impulsive, including:

  • having high energy levels
  • fidgeting or tapping their hands and feet
  • talking noisily
  • feeling restless, or getting up and moving around when they’re supposed to sit still
  • finding it hard to wait their turn, or interrupting conversations

ADHD can cause a range of problems that can vary from child to child. The following are common among all children with ADHD:

  • They often seem to forget things almost instantly.
  • They fail to finish what they start or don’t do it at all.
  • They often seem to be driven like a motor; as a result they can be demanding in class and even behave dangerously when outside.
  • They may seem thoughtless, selfish and rude, so they are often unpopular with other children their age.
  • Initial Screening: One or both parents/guardians complete an initial intake questionnaire to outline the child’s symptoms, developmental history, and areas of concern. This allows our psychologists to prepare for a more tailored assessment approach.
 
  • Comprehensive Clinical Interview: Conducted via a secure video session or in-person with a senior psychologist, this clinical interview involves both the child and their parents or guardians. It explores ADHD symptoms, school and social behaviour, family history, and how symptoms affect daily life.
 
  • Teacher/School Feedback: We request input from the child’s teachers using internationally recognised standardised rating scales and measures. This provides valuable information on the child’s behaviour and attention levels in the school setting, contributing to a well-rounded view of symptoms across different environments.
 
  • Standardised ADHD Testing: The assessment will include recognised ADHD rating scales, psychometric measures completed by the client (where possible) and, by parents or guardians to further evaluate ADHD symptoms and related concerns. These scientific measures and scales assess the symptom severity and identify other related issues that may impact the child’s functioning.
 
  • Results & Recommendations: Data is meticulously gathered and analysed, with findings consolidated into a formal, detailed report. If an ADHD diagnosis is confirmed, we provide individualised recommendations, which may include behaviour therapy, school-based support strategies (e.g., DARE, use of an SNA), family therapy, or, where appropriate, a referral to our child & adolescent psychiatrist to review treatment options in coordination with the client’s GP or specialist (additional fees apply).

The online assessment for a child 10 years + costs €1,600 and includes the entire 2-8 weeks assessment process and diagnostic report.

The in-person assessment for a child 7 years + costs €1,800 and includes the entire 2-8 weeks assessment process and diagnostic report.

We offer flexible payment options designed to suit your budget and lifestyle — including a Book Now, Pay Later option with Klarna, so you don’t have to delay essential care.

For personalised payment options, please contact our office directly.

We also accept all major health insurers in Ireland, including Irish Life Health, Laya Healthcare, and Vhi Insurance.

Get started with BetterCare™

Check out our availability and book the date and time that works for you. 

Remote Online Option

Unsure of the service best suited to your needs? Contact us now to discuss your next steps on a Free 15 minute Booking Consultation.

Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a brief questionnaire by email. This helps us determine whether our ADHD Assessment is the right fit for your child’s needs. If it turns out that a different service would be more suitable, we’ll offer you a full refund or credit.

FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting an ADHD assessment for children or adolescents can seem daunting. Below are some frequently asked questions we receive which may be useful ahead of the first appointment.

Many people come to us directly, while others are referred by their GP.

For clients who may consider medication as part of their ADHD care, a referral from your GP is required. Your GP should provide relevant health information, including height, weight, BMI, heart rate, blood pressure, routine blood tests, and an ECG, to support a thorough assessment.

Online assessments for clients aged 10+ are just as accurate as in-person ones when conducted by experienced clinicians using validated tools. 

At BetterCare™, our senior psychologists use both standard and supplementary online measures to ensure a thorough and reliable diagnosis.

No. Online assessments are not suitable for children under 10 (with rare exceptions) and non-verbal clients of any age.

No — the assessment focuses on understanding your mental health and providing guidance on next steps in your treatment plan. If a diagnosis is confirmed, clients may be referred internally to our psychiatrist to review next steps in their treatment plan and coordinate care with their GP or specialist (additional fees may apply)

Assessments are investigative, they may confirm or rule out a condition. If ADHD criteria aren’t met, the clinician may adjust the assessment to explore other possible causes with your consent. 

All assessments include a detailed report and personalised treatment plan based on the evidence presented. BetterCare™ is committed to finding the most suitable support for every client.

Absolutely. We offer free booking consultations to help you decide if an ADHD assessment is right for you or your child.

We know that cost should never be a barrier to care.

That’s why we offer flexible payment options designed to fit your budget and lifestyle — including a Book Now, Pay Later option with Klarna, so you don’t have to put off getting the support you need.

If you’d like a personalised payment option, simply get in touch with our team and we’ll be happy to arrange it for you.