Why a Comprehensive ADHD Assessment Matters
ADHD is a neurotype that presents uniquely across individuals and age groups. A thorough ADHD assessment goes beyond simple symptom checklists and requires a structured, multi-faceted approach. For psychologists considering ADHD assessment training, understanding the essential tools and methodologies is critical to ensuring accurate diagnoses and effective recommendations for clients.
Key Components of a Good ADHD Assessment
A high-quality ADHD assessment should be:
Comprehensive – Cover multiple domains of functioning, including attention, impulsivity, emotional regulation, and executive function.
Multi-Informant (When Feasible) – For adults, collateral information from family or close contacts can be useful but is not required. Lack of informant reports should not preclude a diagnosis, as prioritising the client’s self-report is both ethical and clinically sound. Additionally, informant reports are often unreliable, particularly when recalling childhood behaviours from decades ago.
Multi-Method – Utilise a combination of clinical interviews and psychometric testing.
Differentially Diagnostic – Rule out or account for co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, autism, and mood disorders.
Neurodiversity-Affirming – Recognise ADHD as a natural part of human diversity that comes with both strengths and challenges. ADHD diagnostic assessment should be conducted in a way that is collaborative, respectful of the individual, and acknowledges them as the experts of their internal world and experiences.
Essential Tools for ADHD Diagnostic Assessments
1. Clinical Interviews
A structured or semi-structured clinical interview is the foundation of an ADHD assessment. Psychologists should gather developmental history, symptom patterns, functional impact, and rule out other potential causes.
Recommended Diagnostic Interview:
DIVA-5 (Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults) – I provide training on how to effectively administer and interpret the DIVA as part of my ADHD assessment training.
2. ADHD-Specific Rating Scales
Standardised rating scales provide norm-referenced data that can help in quantifying ADHD symptoms.
Scales that align with DSM Criteria:
Conners-4 (choose the relevant assessment based on the individual’s age.)
Self-Report Scales:
ASRS (Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale)
BAARS-IV (Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scale)
3. Executive Functioning Assessments (NOT Cognitive Tests)
Executive functioning challenges are a core feature of ADHD. It is important to note that cognitive tests (e.g., IQ tests, WAIS, WISC) should not be used in ADHD assessments, as they do not provide valuable diagnostic insights. The same applies to continuous performance tests. ADHD occurs across the full spectrum of intellectual ability, and performance on cognitive tests does not correlate with ADHD.
Instead, the recommended tools for evaluating executive functioning include:
BRIEF (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function) – I provide training on how to effectively administer and interpret the BRIEF as part of my ADHD assessment training.
Other executive function tools may include:
Brown Executive Function/Attention Scales
4. Differential Diagnosis and Co-Occurring Conditions
ADHD frequently coexists with other conditions, making differential diagnosis a crucial aspect of assessment.
Key considerations include:
Autism
Anxiety and Depression
Substance Use Conditions
Trauma- while this does not explain ADHD symptoms, or cause ADHD, many individuals with ADHD have experienced trauma throughout their life.
How Psychologists Can Get ADHD Assessment Training
For psychologists and allied health professionals looking to learn how to identify and assess ADHD or improve their ADHD assessment skills, formal ADHD assessment training is essential.
As part of my ADHD assessment training, I provide in-depth instruction on using key diagnostic tools, including:
DIVA-5 (structured diagnostic interview tool for ADHD)
BRIEF (for assessing executive functioning)
Other relevant ADHD assessment measures
This training includes demonstration videos and practical guidance to ensure psychologists and allied health professionals feel confident in their assessments. You will also learn how to assess and diagnose autism, a neurotype that frequently co-occurs with ADHD, and how to differentiate between the two to avoid misdiagnosis.
Final Thoughts
A strong ADHD assessment is multi-faceted, evidence-based, and neurodiversity-affirming. By integrating clinical interviews, executive function assessments, ADHD-specific rating scales, and a careful approach to informant reports, psychologists can provide more accurate and meaningful assessments. For those looking to enhance their skills, investing in comprehensive ADHD assessment training will ensure you are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of ADHD diagnosis.
Interested in refining your ADHD assessment skills? Explore my comprehensive ADHD assessment training, including hands-on instruction in using the DIVA-5, BRIEF, and other essential tools to ensure confident, affirming, and accurate ADHD diagnoses.
