ADHD Assessment for Adolescents | Rose Park Psychology
As school becomes more demanding, difficulties with focus, organisation, and managing emotions can become harder to navigate. For some teenagers, an ADHD assessment offers a clearer understanding of why, and a path towards support that fits. We understand that journeys are travelled better together.
Rose Park Psychology has supported Adelaide families since 2000. We work collaboratively with young people, involving them in the process rather than talking around them.
What Is an ADHD Assessment for Adolescents?
An ADHD assessment for adolescents looks at attention, activity, impulsivity, organisation, and emotional regulation, and how these show up across school, home, and social settings. It draws on the young person’s own perspective alongside developmental history and standardised measures.
The outcome is a balanced understanding of your teenager’s profile and practical recommendations, whether or not the picture includes a diagnosis of ADHD. A formal assessment can be particularly helpful when a report is needed, for example to support learning adjustments at school or extra time in exams.
Why Adolescents Consider an Assessment
Adolescents and their families often seek an assessment when they notice experiences such as:
- Difficulty staying focused on schoolwork, or starting and finishing tasks.
- Challenges with organisation, time management, and keeping track of assignments.
- Strong emotional responses, or difficulty managing frustration.
- Restlessness, or acting before thinking through the consequences.
- A sense that school is becoming harder despite genuine effort.
Understanding what sits underneath these experiences can help a young person feel less frustrated with themselves and better supported by those around them.
Our Approach
ADHD assessments for adolescents at Rose Park Psychology are conducted by Lesley Golley , Guillermo Garcia Castillo, and Caitlin Waldie (online consultations only). They, along with Dr Danny Camfferman and the other psychologists at Rose Park Psychology , also provide neuro-affirming therapy for ADHD. Your clinician will take time to build rapport with your teenager so the process feels safe and unhurried.
We use the Conners 4 rating scales or other assessment with parent, teenager and, where possible, teacher reports, alongside cognitive, attention and executive function testing. Most assessments take place across two to three appointments over one to two weeks, and you receive a written report within about two weeks, a feedback session, and documentation to support school or exam accommodations where relevant. Some cognitive testing components may need to be completed in person at our Rose Park rooms.
Important Information
Funding and Medicare. A Medicare rebate may be available in certain circumstances, generally with a valid GP referral. Because each situation differs, contact the clinic and we will explain what could apply. We do not publish fees online.
NDIS. The NDIS does not fund ADHD automatically. Where appropriate, an assessment report can supply the evidence of functional impact that an NDIS application needs, and our psychologists can assess and support ADHD on their own. You can check the current NDIS eligibility requirements on the NDIS website.
Who This Is Suitable For
This assessment is suitable for teenagers aged 13 to 17 who have questions about attention, organisation, or emotional regulation. Adults aged 18 and over are welcome on our adult ADHD page. If you are unsure whether now is the right time, we are happy to talk it through. No issue is too big or too small.
What to Expect
The process runs over a small number of appointments. We keep your teenager involved as a partner, update you as we go, and close with a plain-language feedback session. You will receive a written report to share with your GP or school.
Why Choose Rose Park Psychology
- Over twenty years supporting Adelaide teenagers and their families.
- Clinicians experienced in adolescent ADHD, including online assessment.
- A collaborative process that keeps the young person involved.
- Neuro-affirming ADHD therapy available alongside or after assessment.
- Telehealth options, including assessment with a clinician who works online.
Related Pages
You might also like these Rose Park Psychology pages: ADHD assessment, psychology for adolescents, neuro-affirming therapy, psychological assessments.
Speak With Our Team
For an adolescent ADHD assessment, or to arrange a time, call (08) 8333 0940, or email Email Us, visit our contact page, or book online on our website. No issue is too big or too small, and we are glad to chat before you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
From what age can my teenager be assessed?
We offer adolescent ADHD assessments for teenagers aged 13 to 17. Children aged 8 to 12 are covered by our child ADHD assessment, and adults by our adult ADHD page. If you are unsure, please contact us and we can talk it through.
Can the assessment be done online?
Caitlin Waldie offers assessment via telehealth. Please contact us and we can explain which options may suit your teenager.
Do we need a referral?
A referral is not needed. Medicare rebates generally do not apply. Get in touch and we will explain what applies to your teenager.
Will my teenager receive a diagnosis?
A diagnosis is one possible outcome, not a guaranteed one. Either way, your teenager gains clarity about their profile and practical recommendations, since a diagnosis only helps when it leads to a solution.
Is ADHD covered by the NDIS?
ADHD is not automatically funded by the NDIS. Where it applies, an assessment report can provide the functional-impact evidence an application needs, and our psychologists can assess and support ADHD without other disciplines involved.
What is neuro-affirming therapy?
Neuro-affirming practice respects ADHD as natural neurological variation. For teenagers it means making sense of how their brain manages focus, motivation and emotion, and finding practical strategies that work with that wiring rather than against it. It underpins the therapy and support our psychologists provide.
This page is general information only and not a replacement for personalised advice. Every young person responds differently. Please contact Rose Park Psychology to discuss whether an assessment is right for your teenager.
