What is an ADHD assessment?
An ADHD assessment is an evaluation conducted by a psychologist or physician to determine whether or not an individual meets diagnostic criteria for ADHD.
Learn more: Are free ADHD self-assessment tests helpful?
When should I consider an ADHD assessment for my child?
If you, your child, or your child’s school suspect ADHD but there are no concerns about other areas of development—such as learning or mental health, an ADHD assessment may be the right choice. This option is best for families seeking clarity about ADHD without a broader evaluation.
If you’re unsure whether ADHD is the only concern or if your child is facing additional challenges with learning, emotional regulation, mood, or other behaviours, an in-depth psycho-educational assessment or neuropsychological assessment will provide a more comprehensive exploration of your child’s social, emotional, and cognitive profile.
An ADHD assessment determines whether your child meets the criteria for a diagnosis and provides clear insight into their profile.
Book an ADHD assessment:
ADHD assessments at Red Oak
With our deep understanding of ADHD, our psychologists conduct evaluations to determine if and how your child meets the criteria for ADHD.
What you will take away from an ADHD assessment
- Clarity – Whether or not your child meets criteria for ADHD, the assessment provides meaningful insight into their executive function profile, highlighting both strengths and challenges.
- A report – A comprehensive written report that explains the results and, if applicable, provides a clear explanation of an ADHD diagnosis. This report can be shared with educators and other professionals to help coordinate support.
- Understanding – Knowledge to help you and your child better understand ADHD, reduce stigma, and view their brain through a strengths-based lens.
- Recommendations – Practical, tailored strategies for home and school to support your child’s specific needs.
- Next steps – Guidance on resources and additional supports to help your child continue to grow and thrive.
Our ADHD assessment process
1. Parent intake session – A conversation to gather your child’s developmental history, current challenges, and strengths.
2. Standardized questionnaires – Completed by parents, teachers, and your child (depending on age) to assess attention, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and related behaviours at home and at school.
3. Testing – In-person testing with a psychologist focusing on areas such as attention, working memory, and executive functioning. Sessions usually take 3–4 hours to complete at Red Oak.
4. Feedback sessions – A meeting with the psychologist to review findings and ensure you clearly understand the results and their implications. When appropriate, your child may also have a separate feedback session to learn about their profile in an age-appropriate way.
5. Report – A comprehensive, accessible report summarizing the assessment results, including whether your child meets the criteria for ADHD, along with practical recommendations for support at home, school, and in daily life.
How our ADHD assessment differs from that provided by a physician
Our ADHD assessment differs from a physician’s in both depth and approach. While physician assessments often rely only on questionnaires from parents and teachers, a useful method for straightforward cases, our evaluation is more comprehensive. Using detailed interviews, behavioural observations, and standardized testing, we gain a deeper understanding of your child’s profile and can identify ADHD that may be overlooked with less sensitive measures.
Our Assessment Team
Meet Red Oak’s Clinical Psychologists and Neuropsychologists who conduct Assessments
“My child’s teacher keeps raising concerns about ADHD, but I don’t know what’s really going on.”
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Common questions about ADHD assessments
Are ADHD assessments covered by insurance?
ADHD assessments are a psychological service and are often covered by extended insurance plans. Coverage amounts vary by plan, so it’s best to confirm with your insurance provider.
What support is available after an assessment?
Many families benefit from scheduling check-in sessions one to three months after the assessment to reflect on the findings, address emerging questions, and evaluate progress. Additional support services, such as attending school meetings, consulting with teachers, or completing school forms, are also available.
What are the benefits of doing a psychological assessment?
A psychological assessment can offer valuable insight into your child’s unique learning profile, emotional functioning, and behaviour. It can help identify underlying reasons for challenges with attention, learning, emotional regulation, or behaviour—whether at school, at home, or in social settings.
Assessments provide a clearer picture of your child’s strengths and needs, along with tailored recommendations for supports and strategies. This might include accommodations at school (like an Individual Education Plan), therapy recommendations, or specific tools to support day-to-day functioning.
In some cases, an assessment may also result in a diagnosis—such as ADHD, a learning disability, an intellectual developmental disability, anxiety, or depression—which can help guide access to services and appropriate interventions.
Even when a diagnosis is not made, the assessment process itself can be a meaningful step in understanding how to best support your child’s development, confidence, and well-being.
Do you do Autism assessments?
Unfortunately, we do not conduct Autism assessments at Red Oak at the current time. Below are some recommendations for clinics that offer Autism assessment:
Flourish on Queen
Dr. Darlene Walker at Clinic on Dupont
Dr. Thomas Rhee at Redpath Centre
Growing Minds
How often should my child be assessed?
Reassessments are typically recommended at key transition points, such as when your child is entering a new school, starting middle or high school, or preparing for post-secondary education. An updated assessment can help ensure that appropriate supports and accommodations are in place for the next stage of learning.
Many schools—at both the elementary and secondary levels, as well as colleges and universities—require a recent psychological assessment in order to provide accommodations. While policies vary, some schools will only accept assessments completed within the past 1 to 3 years. It’s a good idea to check with the specific school to understand their documentation requirements.
A reassessment may also be helpful if there has been a significant change in your child’s behaviour, emotional functioning, or academic performance.
Red Oak offers a range of Psychological Assessments
Psycho-Educational Assessments
Our psycho-educational assessments are tailored to your specific needs and concerns, and are more comprehensive than typical practices.
Learn More
Gifted Assessments
Our gifted assessments help you determine whether your child meets the criteria for identification as a gifted student.
Learn More
Neuropsychological Assessments
Our comprehensive neuropsychological assessments offer deeper insight into complex learning, developmental, or medical concerns.
Learn More
Overview of Psychological Assessments
We offer a range of assessments to help you understand your child’s unique social, emotional, and cognitive profile.
Learn MoreWhich assessment is right for my child?
Answer a few questions and we’ll help you choose the best assessment option for your child.
