ADHD isn’t just for kids
Contrary to popular belief, ADHD isn’t just a childhood condition. Many adults continue to experience its
challenges, affecting their work, relationships,
and daily life.
Our Procedure
Explore our comprehensive assessment procedure by diving into the circle below. Each step of the journey is meticulously laid out, providing a clear roadmap for your understanding.
Step 1
Book Initial Consultation
Book an initial virtual consultation with one of our psychologists at a time and date of your choosing through our booking portal
Step 2
Complete Online Questionnaires
We will send you some questionnaires to complete online prior to your consultation
Step 3
Consultation with Psychologist
You will meet virtually with the psychologist, who will gather further information and determine if ADHD is likely
- If ADHD suspected – the Psychologist will recommend a tailor-made comprehensive assessment for ADHD
- If ADHD not suspected – the Psychologist will provide you with advice and a summary letter from your consultation
Step 4
Comprehensive Testing
We will undertake testing of your intellectual functioning and executive functioning skills, which can be done at our clinic in Dublin or completely remotely from the comfort of your home. If a learning difficulty is suspected, we will test for this as well
Step 5
Online Continuous Performance Test
You will take an online Continuous Performance Test (CPT) from the comfort of your home, while the psychologist observes you remotely in real-time
Step 6
Interview with Family Member
The psychologist will interview a family member or a person chosen by you to gather insights into your behaviour and functioning. Additionally, the nominated person will complete a questionnaire to provide further information
Step 7
Feedback and Report
The psychologist will meet with you virtually to give feedback on the assessment and provide you with a written report
Our psychologists will look for certain criteria to establish that an ADHD assessment is appropriate
You exhibit at least 6 symptoms related to inattention, and/or six symptoms associated with hyperactivity-impulsivity
Symptoms are present before age 12 years
Symptoms are present for at least 6 months
Symptoms are present in two or more settings (e.g., at home, school or work; with friends or relatives; in other activities)
symptoms impede your daily life, impacting your work, relationships, personal interests, or self-esteem
Types of ADHD
ADHD Inattentive Type
Often called ADD, inattentive ADHD manifests as limited attention span, distractibility, forgetfulness, or procrastination, and can be mistaken for anxiety or a mood disorder in adults. People with inattentive ADHD make careless mistakes because they have difficulty sustaining focus, following detailed instructions, and organizing tasks and activities. It can manifest as a million projects lying around the house in states of completion. Unfortunately, inattentive symptoms sometimes can be mistaken for laziness or apathy. This type of ADHD is more commonly diagnosed in adults and girls.
ADHD Hyperactive/Impulsive Type
While the hyperactive-impulsive subtype of ADHD is relatively easy to identify in children. In adults, the symptoms are often more subtle and difficult to pinpoint — for example, hyperactivity sometimes settles into seat restlessness and internal, subjective feelings of restlessness and needing to be busy. Besides restlessness, adults with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD may find it difficult to wait in line at the store, interrupt others while talking, monopolise conversations, and have poor driving histories. This type of ADHD is more often diagnosed in children and men.
ADHD Combined Type
This type is a mix of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types. It can manifest as difficulties with focus, restlessness, impulsiveness, and trouble organising tasks. Adults may struggle to manage time effectively, experience frequent mood swings, and have challenges maintaining relationships or employment due to these symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Consultation
Do I have to undergo a consultation, or can I skip it and go straight to the assessment for ADHD?
We always advise individuals to start with a consultation initially. This step ensures that we can thoroughly assess your needs and situation. There are various conditions that can mimic ADHD, such as dyspraxia, trauma, and anxiety. The consultation allows us to effectively rule out these factors and determine the most appropriate course of action.
What are the wait times for an ADHD consultation?
At Access Psychology, our mission is to leverage technology to our advantage and reduce wait times for psychological services. We aim to schedule consultations within 3 weeks of initial contact. Following the consultation, if there is a justification for an assessment, we strive to conduct it within 2-3 weeks thereafter.
How can I prepare for an ADHD consultation appointment?
Gather Early Life History Information: If possible, talk to someone who can provide details about your early life history, such as your mother’s pregnancy with you and reaching developmental milestones like when you first walked, talked, or were toilet trained.
Compile Previous School Reports and Assessments: If you have any previous school reports or assessments related to ADHD or other relevant conditions, it’s helpful to share them with the psychologist before your consultation. These documents can provide additional context for understanding your challenges and strengths.
Clarify Your Goals: Take some time to think about what you hope to achieve from the assessment. Whether it’s receiving a diagnosis, obtaining accommodations in academic or work settings, or exploring treatment options such as medication, behavioural therapy, or counselling, clarifying your goals can guide the discussion with the psychologist.
The Assessment
What does an ADHD assessment look like?
There is no one test (medical or otherwise) that you can take for ADHD. Instead, an ADHD assessment involves a series of steps to gather information about your behaviour and determine if you might have ADHD. For further information on what a gold standard ADHD assessment should include, please refer to our procedure section above.
Are there specific tests used in the assessment process?
Yes, we use a battery of objective tests to assess both intellectual functioning and executive functioning skills, with the latter being particularly significant as the executive functioning area of the brain is most impacted in individuals with ADHD.
Do I have to come into the clinic for the testing part of the assessment?
No, we offer the flexibility and convenience of completing the testing portion of the ADHD assessment from the comfort of your own home. Our comprehensive online platform allows for remote testing, ensuring that the entire assessment process can be conducted remotely. However, if you prefer, we also provide the option to conduct the testing in-person at our clinic in Dublin.
How can I prepare for the testing?
Whether you opt for remote testing from home or an in-clinic visit, we recommend preparing by ensuring you get a good night’s sleep before your appointment. Typically, we schedule testing sessions for the morning or at a time when you feel most alert to capture your optimal performance. We also advise refraining from engaging in mentally challenging activities or work the morning before testing to ensure your mind is clear and focused.
How long does the testing take?
Typically, the testing process takes about 2 hours. Throughout this time, the psychologist will be checking in regularly with you, offering breaks and ensuring you’re comfortable
Post Assessment Support
What are the next steps if I am diagnosed with ADHD?
You will receive a comprehensive report detailing personalised recommendations and resources tailored to your specific needs. If you’re considering medication as part of your treatment plan, we can provide recommendations for experienced psychiatrists whom you can contact to explore this option further. Additionally, we have psychologists who specialize in working with adults on the neurodivergent spectrum. We offer counseling services exclusively to individuals who have been assessed by our team, ensuring that you receive specialized support tailored to your ADHD diagnosis.
Do you prescribe medication if I receive a diagnosis of ADHD?
We do not provide prescriptions or medication. This is solely provided by medical professionals, specifically, psychiatrists. If you proceed with an assessment, and you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and wish to pursue medication, we can provide details for psychiatrists and you can explore the option of medication with them.