Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) frequently co-occurs with other learning disabilities, and as such a psycho-educational assessment is highly recommended for all students with ADHD. This also helps to rule out other conditions that are unrelated to ADHD in order to ensure that the appropriate accommodations are put into place.

Since ADHD is a lifelong condition, a misdiagnosis could mean overlooking other treatment options that would bring about positive results.  A reliable diagnosis should include the following features:

• Conducted by a health care professional with specialized training relating to the diagnosis of ADHD
• Evidence that the diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5 have been satisfied
• The assessment includes a review of evidence from childhood indicating that symptoms existed before age 12
• The individual is affected in two or more settings (e.g. home, school, work, etc.)
• Other explanations have been ruled out and possible confounding variables have been addressed
• Consideration for whether counselling in the following areas might resolve the student's difficulties:
  • Excessive out of control use of electronic devices
  • Procrastination related to perfectionism
  • Under-developed study skills
• Consideration for whether a learning disability may also be present
• The assessor has tested for the validity of the results
• The report describes how the student’s academic abilities have been tested/observed

Learn about our ADHD Assessment Process [1]