Key points
- Ask for a longer appointment and say it is about ADHD when you book.
- Expect more than one appointment. A thorough assessment takes time.
- ADHD assessment and management at Aberdeen Surgery is a private service, so a fee applies.
Booking an ADHD assessment can feel like a big step. Knowing what happens along the way can make it easier. This guide walks through the process at Aberdeen Surgery, from the first phone call to a plan for ongoing care.
Step 1: Book a longer appointment
Call reception on (02) 6543 8424 or book online, and let us know the appointment is about ADHD so enough time is set aside. ADHD assessment and ongoing management at Aberdeen Surgery is provided by Dr Layth Almallah for children, teenagers and adults. It is a private service, so a fee applies. Reception will give you the cost before you book.
Step 2: Gather some background
You do not need to have everything ready, but the following can help the assessment:
- Notes about the difficulties you or your child are having, when they started and where they happen.
- School reports, old or current. For adults, these can show patterns from childhood.
- Letters or reports from teachers, psychologists, paediatricians or other professionals.
- A list of current medicines and any health conditions.
- Your Medicare card, and any concession or DVA card.
Step 3: Talk it through
The first appointment is a conversation about what is happening now and what has happened in the past. Your doctor will ask about attention, activity, organisation, mood, sleep, relationships and how things are going at home, school or work. For children, the parent or carer is an important part of this conversation.
Step 4: Questionnaires and other information
You may be asked to complete standardised questionnaires. For children, teachers are often asked to complete them too. For adults, input from a partner or parent can help. Your doctor may also check for other conditions that can cause similar difficulties, such as sleep problems, anxiety, low mood, hearing or vision problems, or thyroid conditions, and may arrange tests if needed.
Step 5: Results and a plan
Once the information is gathered, your doctor will talk with you about the findings. If ADHD is diagnosed, you will discuss a management plan, which may include education, practical strategies, psychological support, school or workplace adjustments and, for some people, medicine. Depending on your situation, other professionals may be involved, and they set their own fees.
Ongoing care
ADHD management is not a one-off visit. Regular reviews help check how things are going and adjust the plan as needs change, such as starting high school, moving into work or going through a busy life stage. Having ongoing care at a local practice means you do not need to travel to a bigger town for routine reviews.
Questions to ask
- How many appointments will the assessment take?
- What will the total cost be, and what can be claimed through Medicare?
- Will other professionals need to be involved?
- What support is available while we wait for the results?
