ADHD Assessment
Where to go, who can assess, who can diagnose, what's involved?
Where to go, who can assess, who can diagnose, what's involved?
Where do we go for an assessment? What are the options, and costs?
Public Pathway - little to no cost
Public health is covered by taxes, so little to no cost. There can be long wait times, and sometimes a referral may be declined.
The process:
1) Visit your GP, and they can refer on to either;
ICAMHS -
staff, mental health nurses, psychologists and/or paediatricians review the case, triage (decide what priority to give the referral) and can assess.
This is a priority service so there might be a significant wait, for example six months plus. These wait times can vary.
If you are placed on a wait list and there are significant changes or concerns, then do update these services - e.g. via email with relevant information. If the changes are urgent, see your GP, call Healthline 0800 611 116. If there is a crisis or emergency; call 111. or the ICAMHS crisis line 0800 776 364, or (03) 546 1800
Te Piki Oranga, kaupapa Māori health service.
Public paediatricians (via ICAMHS or direct GP referral) at Nelson Hospital.
Your child's school can refer too, or can support a GP referral with information, observations, reports, and questionnaires/surveys.
Reminder:
The only people who can currently diagnose or rule out ADHD in New Zealand are;
Clinical psychologist
Paediatrician
Psychiatrist/Neurologist
A list of people who can not diagnose, or rule out ADHD.
Mental health nurse
Educational Psychologist
GP/Nurse Practitioner
Teacher/Principal
SENCO/LSC
RTLB
Counsellor
Private assessments - can cost from $500 - $1800
Locally these cost between $500 - $1800, but usually have a shorter wait-time than public.
There may be subsidies available to help with the costs of going private, and health insurance may cover part or all of the costs.
The process:
Visit your GP, then they can refer you to a private clinic,
or you can contact them directly yourself.
Who assesses/diagnoses in Nelson?
Dr Garth Smith - Specialist consultant paediatrician.
Website: www.kidsdoc.co.nz - for information, online bookings and to check on available appointments.
You can book directly from the website.
Current inital referral cost is $552 (correct as of April 2024.)
Keep checking the available appointments as new appointments are released every few weeks.
Email info@kidsdoc.co.nz - to ask about wait times, confirm appointments
The Nelson Clinic - Referral service to local psychologists, counsellors and psychiatrists.
A child ADHD assessment process is approximately $880 for diagnostics, interviews, assessment and a report (Psychologist)
If medication is needed, TNC refers to a paediatrician and this involves an interview and medication consultation for a further $645.
(Prices correct as of April 2024)
Website: https://nelsonclinic.nz/services/adhd
Across the country there are other private clinics that may be able to offer remote / Zoom consultations, e.g.
Beehyve clinic - Christchurch - informal ADHD assessments. Mainly for older teens and adults.
Totally Psyched - Auckland - Dr Sarah Watson's clinic in Auckland
Space Of Mind - Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist - telehealth appointments, can assess for ADHD
Further misconceptions:
Remember: if your child can concentrate and suppress fidgeting and impulsivity when highly interested in something, that does not rule out ADHD. In fact it may be a sign of inconsistent control over focus and attention.
If your child is doing reasonably well at school it still does not rule out ADHD.
Masking or hiding symptoms of ADHD can confuse teachers and parents. Masking is a key reason why girls with ADHD are often missed.
Think about: how well an average or bright child with ADHD could do given increased awareness and the right supports.
What is actually involved in a formal assessment?
Screeners, questionnaires, rating scales;
Surveys - from parents, teachers, other people involved;
Psychometric and / or cognitive testing - could involve computer based screeners that examine distractibility, memory, planning, attention, reaction times etc.
Interviews, where the assessor asks about birth, childhood, any traumatic experiences, observations and history of when difficulties were first noticed, and whether they occur at school and home, or in other settings;
Reviewing documents such as school reports, support letters, previous medical history;
General medical check up, e.g. heart, weight, blood pressure, height, blood tests;
Looking into secondary or associated experiences, such as; depression, anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, sleep difficulties, behavioural difficulties, eating patterns, body-focused repetitive conditions (hair pulling, nail biting, skin picking) sensory difficulties, learning difficulties such as dyslexia/dysgraphia, autism and other neurodiversities.
Assessments may take 1-2 hours, or happen over several different sessions.
What do we do while we are waiting for an assessment?
While waiting for an assessment, look into understandings and strategies that might help support the child at home and at school.
After an assessment
Follow the advice of the paediatrician, psychologist or psychiatrist, get support (links here) and work together as a support team around the child. Whānau and school working together, having empathy and communicating well is a great start to supporting a child with ADHD.
Medication might be part of the treatment, or not. Find out more here.
Support services might be needed too. Find out more here.