Child ADHD Testing

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child adhd testing

How can we help?

Psychology Melbourne provides comprehensive psychological testing and assessment for children between the ages of 6 and 12 to determine whether there will be a diagnosis of ADHD.

The ADHD testing explores your child’s behaviour and developmental history over 4 hours of interviews with you, your child, and other professionals, such as teachers, etc.

If your child receives a positive diagnosis of ADHD, it is important to start managing it now rather than let it continue into adulthood, creating major problems.

Our psychologists can help with recommendations for further treatment.

ADHD is not considered a “disease” but a neurological difference, and therefore can’t be “cured”. Some children may recover fully from their disorder by age 21 or 27, however, in 50-86 percent of cases, major problems persist into adulthood.

ADHD is thought to be partly genetic as research shows that parents and siblings of ADHD children are more likely to have ADHD themselves.

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What is Child ADHD?

Children can exhibit Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms before age 12, and in some cases as early as 3 years of age.

Symptoms include:

Not every child who is overly hyperactive, inattentive, or impulsive has ADHD. Many children blurt out things they didn't mean to say, bounce from one task to another, or become forgetful.

Assessment of ADHD in children requires careful consideration of presenting traits and behaviours, clinical observation, interviews with family members and teachers, and screening measures.

Although ADHD is not a form of Autism, many of their symptoms overlap, making is difficult to diagnose.

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How does ADHD Testing work?

When you purchase the Child ADHD package, our Assessment Manager will contact you to arrange your first appointment with your testing psychologist who will be experienced in working with children with ADHD. For children, these appointments need to be done in person, not online.

The comprehensive Child ADHD testing package is suitable for children aged 6 to 12 years and is conducted over 4 sessions. Following these, you will receive a comprehensive ADHD Interpretative Report with diagnosis and recommendations.

The Testing package includes:

The ADHD screening and other testing measures are completed by the child (depending on age), family members, and other significant individuals such as a teacher, who can contribute to a comprehensive developmental and behavioural history. Medical, paediatric, or psychiatric information may be required for further diagnosis.

Your child’s pattern of behaviour will be compared against a set of diagnostic criteria and characteristics of the ADHD disorder. As some traits can overlap with other mental health conditions, your psychologist may identify other potential causes of your child’s symptoms such as, normal developmental presentations, learning difficulties, oppositional issues, mood problems and medical conditions.

To assess whether your child has a positive diagnosis of ADHD, your psychologist will consider several critical questions: are they experiencing a continuous problem and not just a response to a temporary situation? Do their behaviours occur in several settings or only in one specific place like the playground or the office?

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What is the best Treatment?

The most recommended treatment for child ADHD includes medication, psychological counselling and skills development training. Parents need to work together closely to help their child manage their ADHD symptoms.

Medication

Psychologists practice behavioural therapy and do not prescribe medication. Stimulant medications are typically prescribed by your GP as a safe and effective way to relieve ADHD symptoms. They target two brain chemicals or neurotransmitters: dopamine and norepinephrine which assists your child to pay attention and control their behavior.

The most common stimulant medications for treating ADHD are methylphenidate or amphetamine. However, if stimulants cause serious side effects, other medications can be used such as Atomoxetine and antidepressants.

The right medication and the right dose varies among children and you may need to work closely with your GP to find out what's right for your child.

If you choose the medication pathway for your child, your child will need to be assessed by a psychiatrist as ADHD medication is restricted. You will need to ask your GP for a referral to a psychiatrist for a ADHD medication assessment. This is a 45-minute assessment and will provide your GP with a medication plan to follow. It is important for you to monitor any side effects from the medication carefully. The most common reactions include low appetite and weight loss.

Some psychiatrists will give you a discount if you provide your Psychology Melbourne ADHD assessment for them as it saves them time.

For futher information, contact our Assessment Manager at 1300 161 639 or email assessments@psychologymelbourne.com.au.

Behavior therapy

Behavior therapy can take longer but it provides everlasting benefits for your child as they grow into adulthood. It can improve your child’s self-control and self-esteem and is most effective when it is supported by parents.

Psychology Melbourne’s ADHD comprehensive Report provides recommendations for psychological counselling and behavioral therapy for you and your child. Parent training in behaviour management includes learning skills and strategies to assist their ADHD child academically and with social relationships.

Other conditions may also be potential causes of your child’s symptoms such as, developmental issues, learning difficulties, oppositional issues, mood problems and medical conditions. If present these will be outlined in your child’s report and recommendations provided.

Psychology Melbourne has psychologists experienced in working with parents and children in one-on-one counselling. In addition, we are planning next year to start training courses for parents to teach them skills and strategies to help their ADHD child.

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How much does it cost?

Psychology Melbourne's cost-effective Child ADHD package provides you with an finite cost for you testing. The Child ADHD package costs: $2,000.
To see what this package includes, go to "How does ADHD Testing work?" above or view our FAQs below.

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How to make an appointment

To book ADHD Testing:

Use the form below to pay for your testing in full.
Or, to make 4 interest-free payments of $550 fortnightly go to our
afterpay booking form

After we receive your payment, our reception staff will contact you to book an appointment time.

Book Now!

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For further information, contact our reception team on
1300 161 639

Testing Frequently Asked Questions

About Testing

Why is psychological testing important?

The purpose of psychological testing is to gain a better understanding of the person and establish whether a diagnosis of a psychiatric condition is warranted. It is important to remember that a psychiatric condition can be mild, moderate, or severe. A test also provides recommendations for treatment to help improve the person’s well-being. It is like a road map for future treatment.

Testing uses validated and reliable measures to gauge aspects of a person’s psychological or cognitive functioning. They may include questionnaires and surveys or a set of puzzles and activities to measure a person’s problem-solving ability or memory.

Are psychological tests accurate?

Psychological tests undergo rigorous standards to establish reliability and validity, usually over many years. In Australia psychologists are trained I the administration, interpretation and reporting of psychological tests.

What are the different types of psychological tests?

Psychology Melbourne offers a range of cognitive and personality testing packages for adults and children. This includes Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Testing, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Testing, IQ Testing, Personality Testing, and Brain Health Testing for early symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Who can administer psychological tests?

Most psychological testing is administered by a psychologist and is a formal process that requires extensive training and expertise. Psychologists are the only professionals that are trained in administering and interpreting psychological tests.

Psychology Melbourne has a team of psychologists who are qualified and experienced in testing.

Will I need medication?

If you are diagnosed with ADHD you may require medication. This is a restricted medication and can only be prescribed by a psychiatrist or pediatrician. You will need a GP referral to a psychiatrist which we can help you with. This will be an extra cost.

You may also choose to manage your ADHD without medication via Cognitive Behavioural therapy and other behavioural techniques.

How long does a psychological test take?

Psychological tests take a different amount of time to complete, depending on the complexity of the test. Some tests, such as the Personality test takes about 45 minutes, but other tests such as the IQ test can take up to 2 hours. You need to speak to our Client Services Team to discuss the length of the test you are interested in.

Once you have completed the test, you will commence your 3 consultations with test psychologist. Your psychologist will discuss the reasons for your testing, take a background history and explain your results to you. They will also make recommendations for future treatment.

Can I do the test online?

Yes. Some tests, such as personality tests, can easily be done online so that you don’t have to leave home. We email you the link to the test you have chosen and when you have completed it, your results will be added to your file for your psychologist t oread and discuss with you.

We will then email you the video instructions prior to your appointment with your psychologist either on your phone, iPad, laptop or desktop if you have a camera for it. It is best to connect to the link at least 15 minutes before your session in case there are any problems. If you have any problems, contact reception on 1300 161 639 or email info@psychologymelbourne.com.au.

You should wait in the waiting room until your psychologist appears. If there is a problem, contact reception as above.

Will my testing be face-to-face?

Some tests are more complex and require in-person or face-to-face administration. This allows the psychologist to observe the persons behaviour more closely, especially for children. For example, Child Autism and Child ADHD testing must be completed face-to-face, while Personality testing can be done online.

Our Client Services Team will be able to tell you whether the test you have chosen needs to be done in-person or online.

We have psychologists in various locations in Melbourne, including the CBD, Port Melbourne, Sandringham and Balwyn, who can do face-to-face testing for you. Call our Client Services Team on 1300 161 639 and they will be able to help identify the best location for you.

Will I need to do any preparation before the testing?

You may be required to do an online test prior to your first appointment with your psychologist. If this is required, you will be emailed instructions at the time of booking. These are straight forward and come with clear instructions. Results will be discussed during the consultations.

Before you first session it is a good idea to compile a history of your problems or issues and the reasons why you want the test. This can save a lot of time in the session and helps you be clearer when discussing your issues.

Do I need a GP referral to do a test?

No, you don’t need a GP referral to book a psychological test. If you need the test for a legal or a funding organisation such as NDIS, you will need to speak to us beforehand.



Booking a Test

How do I book a testing?

For online testing, you first need to purchase the package you want from our SHOP. You can pay for this by VISA or MasterCard by calling our Client Services Team on 1300 161 639 or using our live Chat on the website. We have Afterpay available if you want to pay by instalments.

Once we receive your payment, Client services will contact you back to book in your test and arrange your appointments. The test may be sent to you online with clear instructions, or it may be done during one of your consultations.

Medicare does not provide rebates for Testing and Assessments.

How much do the psychological tests cost?

The pricing of our psychological testing ranges from $800 - $2000 depending on the type of test you want. The pricing includes three clinical consultations, administration of the test, a a follow up Assessment report and recommendations for future actions.

Payments are required before we can book in your test appointments for you. You can do this on our shopping cart on the website or pay by credit card on the phone. Afterpay is available for paying by instalments.

What credit cards do you accept?

We only accept payments from VISA or MasterCard online or by phone on 1300 161 639. We also have Afterpay available if you want to pay by instalments.

Can I pay with AfterPay?

Yes you can! Afterpay allows you to split your purchases into four interest-free instalments, so you'll pay your first instalment at the time of purchase, and the remainder every fortnight. You can find your payment schedule in the Afterpay app and they will send you regular payment reminders. For more information about Afterpay, visit https://www.afterpay.com.

Can I pay by EFT?

We do not provide an EFT option but we accept payments by VISA or MasterCard online or by phone on 1300 161 639, prior to the course commencement.



Testing rebates

Can I get a rebate from Private Health Insurance?

Our psychologists are registered as providers with Private Health Funds. Some funds will allow rebates for psychological testing services; however it is advisable to check with your specific fund to see if your 'extras cover' includes this and the amount of rebate. If you are eligible, you will have to pay the full cost of the test and we will send you a receipt for you to claim your rebate online.



Testing appointment cancellations

If I miss one of my sessions, can I rebook?

Due to heavy demand for appointments, there may be long delays in rescheduling a session. When booking in your test, we work hard to make sure the appointments will work for you and we send you an Appointment Schedule so you can enter them into your personal calendar. We also send a reminder to you 3 days ahead for each appointment.

Cancellations of test packages will be charged a 10% admin fee.

What happens if I cancel my appointment?

Cancellation fees are charged as we have many people waiting for appointments and need to be able to offer any free appointments to others. A 50% cancellation fee is charged for cancellations within 48 hours of your appointment. Same day cancellations are charged at the full fee.

If you have to change an appointment, contact our Client Services Team on 1300 161 639 or use our live Chat on this website.

What happens if I need to cancel at test package I have already paid for?

Cancellations of test packages will be charged a 10% admin fee.

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OUR LOCATIONS

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(main practice)
2/50 Queen Street
VICTORIA
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Phone 1300 161 639 for all locations
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Fri 8:30 am - 6 pm,  Sat 9 am - 2:30 pm
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