ADHD & Gifted Assessments
ADHD is a condition with three presentations: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined presentation. Common difficulties children and adults with ADHD experience are their ability to concentrate, impulsivity and/or hyperactivity which can have many different functional limitations and presentation. Once diagnosed, ADHD symptoms of concern can be managed through a three pronged approach which may include accommodations, behaviour therapy and/or medication. If you believe you or your child may also be struggling with learning differences or emotional issues, a psychoeducational may be a better option for you and your child.
For more information, check out our informational document on ADHD Assessments or look through the questions below.
Gifted children have the abilities to perform at higher levels compared to their peers. Some gifted children may underperform academically, have behavioural and/or social difficulties at school or at home because they are bored and/or under stimulated. Testing your child for giftedness may help you to better understand your child and provide your child with access to educational resources that match their intellectual and learning needs. If you believe you or your child may also be struggling with learning differences or emotional issues, a psychoeducational may be a better option for you and your child.
For more information, check out our informational document on Gifted Assessments or look through the questions below.
Here are questions we are often asked about our ADHD & Gifted Assessments along with our answers.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder. As a neurodevelopmental disorder, symptoms start in childhood but it is possible that these are not recognized and/or don’t cause significant functional impairment until later on in life. Symptoms can be categorized into three buckets: inattention, hyperactivity and/or impulsivity.
What is an ADHD/ Gifted Assessment?
An ADHD assessment will screen for symptoms of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and provides a brief screening for intellectual abilities. This assessment is usually able to identify the following:
-
ADHD
-
Giftedness
-
Suggest the presence of learning disabilities and/or mental health concerns that may require further evaluation
If you and/or your child believe that your or they may also be struggling with a learning disability or mental health issue(s), a full psychoeducational assessment is a better option.
Why get this type of Assessment?
The most important reason to have an assessment is to determine how your or your child is most likely to succeed or thrive. Depending on the results of the assessment, you may be eligible for extra support and/or accommodations in school or the workplace. The results will also provide recommendations that can be implemented at home.
Who completes the Assessment?
Assessments are conducted by one of our trained, certified psychology clinicians (psychologist or psychological associates). A psychometrist may administer some of the tests but the data is reviewed and interpreted by the certified clinician.
What is involved in a ADHD/ Gifted Assessment?
These assessments are not as in depth as a full psychoeducational assessment and typically take approximately 9 hours to complete. Typically, the steps are:
1. 1-hour initial interview to understand what concerns you and/or your child have and a review of your or your child’s history
2. 3 hours of psychodiagnostics testing
3. If needed and with consent, the psychology clinician will conduct informational interviews with teachers and/or other care providers
4. Once all the information is gathered, the psychologist needs 4 hours for scoring and report writing
5. 1-hr feedback session to go over the results, answer questions, and offer recommendations for next steps.
How long does it take to complete an ADHD/ Gifted Assessment?
The entire process of an ADHD and/or Gifted Assessment takes a minimum of 6 weeks from the initial interview to feedback session. Based on appointment scheduling, it can take as long as 10 weeks.
What happens after the Assessment?
The assessment report will summarize the findings and provide recommendations. You may choose to share all or some of the report with the school or employer to help secure support and accommodations. Based on the findings, in discussion with the psychologist, you may be referred to other providers to explore treatment options.
Are these Assessments covered by OHIP?
No. Many private insurance plans provide some degree of coverage for psychological assessments. Check with your insurance provider to verify what they will cover. Although you don’t need a referral to book the appointment, some insurance companies require a doctor’s referral for reimbursement.
How much does an ADHD/ Gifted Assessment cost?
The cost of an ADHD assessment at the Center for Pediatric Excellence is a baseline of $2025 ($225 per hour x 9 hours). This includes time the psychologist spends with you or your child, interviews with teachers and care providers, and test scoring and report writing. Your clinician will discuss with you any additional time needed to complete reports or complete additional interviews.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
No. Psychoeducational assessments are not covered by OHIP, so they do not require a referral from a physician. Check with your insurance provider to verify what they will cover. Although you don’t need a referral to book the appointment, some insurance companies require a doctor’s referral for reimbursement.
How do I get started?
Email psychologybookings@cfpe.ca or contact us