ADHD assessment in Ireland
A structured ADHD assessment for adults, children and young people, with developmental evidence, current impact and alternative explanations considered carefully.
Parents are part of the pathway—not the whole story
For a child or young person, assessment may include parent or carer developmental information, the young person’s own account and school or other-setting information where appropriate. Consent, assent, confidentiality and report recipients are agreed before assessment starts.
- Developmentally appropriate communication
- Strengths and interests considered alongside difficulties
- Home and education context explored
- Practical recommendations discussed with the family
Not a diagnosis based on one score
The first step is to understand who is seeking the assessment, why now, what difficulties or strengths are being noticed and how the report may be used.
- Clear question and intended report use
- Developmental and current information
- Functional impact and strengths
- Alternative and co-occurring explanations
- Feedback, limitations and practical recommendations
Suitability is assessed first
Online work is not suitable in every situation. Age, communication, risk, complexity, jurisdiction and the purpose of the report all influence the appropriate route.
See fee principles and payment information →Who this pathway may—and may not—fit
This pathway may be appropriate when
- Persistent attention, organisation, impulsivity or restlessness concerns
- The question involves lifelong patterns and current functional impact
- Developmental information can be explored with records, history or informant evidence
- An online pathway is clinically and practically suitable
Another route may be safer or more appropriate when
- Immediate crisis or acute risk needs urgent services
- Medication prescribing is the only service being sought
- A statutory, court or other highly specialised report is required without prior scope agreement
- Online assessment would not provide sufficient or reliable information
Four stages with a clear purpose
Clarify the assessment question
The first step is to understand who is seeking the assessment, why now, what difficulties or strengths are being noticed and how the report may be used.
Gather developmental and current information
Clinical interviews, questionnaires, available records and information from someone who knows the person well may be considered. The exact combination is individualised.
Consider other explanations
Sleep, anxiety, trauma, mood, substance use, learning needs, autism and physical health can affect attention or executive functioning. Assessment should consider these rather than relying on symptom counts alone.
Feedback and report
The conclusion, supporting evidence, limitations and practical recommendations are discussed. A written report is supplied when this has been agreed in the scope.
Agree the output before the work begins
Different reports may be needed for personal understanding, a GP, education, employment or another professional. The practice does not promise that every third party will accept every report. The purpose, recipient and requested evidence should be clarified in advance.
Where medical treatment, legal evidence or statutory processes are involved, separate requirements may apply.
Information for referring professionals
Common questions
Is an online ADHD assessment valid?
Online assessment can be appropriate for some people when the method, clinician competence, identity checks, risk arrangements and quality of developmental information are suitable. It is not automatically suitable in every case.
Are school reports essential?
They can be useful but are not the only possible source of developmental information. Where records are unavailable, the assessor considers other credible evidence and explains any limitations.
Does an ADHD diagnosis mean I can receive medication?
No. A psychologist cannot prescribe. A medical prescriber makes an independent decision about medication, physical-health checks and ongoing monitoring.
How long is the process?
The number and length of appointments depend on age, complexity, available evidence and the intended report. The proposed stages and likely timescale are confirmed before booking.
Clarify the suitable pathway before paying
The free consultation covers the question, suitability, stages, evidence, estimated timescale and fee.